Ayelet Kopel’s physics students have been learning about electromagnetic waves. While discussing microwaves, the class conducted an experiment with a chocolate bar and a microwave oven. They took the rotating tray out of the microwave and put a chocolate bar inside in its place. After running the microwave for a minute, the students removed the chocolate and observed the melted and unmelted parts. Using these measurements, the students were then able to calculate the wavelength of the microwave and see firsthand how microwaves use their electromagnetic waves to heat food. Special thanks to student Daniel Zupnik for providing the chocolate!
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