Microwave Plasmas
Microwaves are
electromagnetic waves that carry energy. When they are absorbed
by food, the food gains heat energy. When they are absorbed by
the atoms in a flame, the atoms can gain enough energy to become a
plasma-an ionized gas, and the state of matter of lightning and
stars. It then appears that the candle produces balls of fire.
A microwaved candle has produced a plasma from its excited flame.
Sometimes the plasma does not separate from the flame.
This picture shows one of the many incidences that have burned the
paint off of the ceiling of the microwave oven. A plasma ball has
become trapped in the microwave oven and is burning at the top.
It doesn't disappear because it is gaining energy from the microwaves,
but when the oven is turned off, it goes away.
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