Are you afriad to stare into a microwave?!
Question: when i was growing up. maybe 5 years old my dad told me that if i stare into a microwave that i'll turn into a Martian. I'm still scared to look into a microwave now. Do they cause cancer or something?
Answers: when i was growing up. maybe 5 years old my dad told me that if i stare into a microwave that i'll turn into a Martian. I'm still scared to look into a microwave now. Do they cause cancer or something?
hurray a science question. This might be a tad long but it will cover the basics. I tried to explain somewhat simple without skipping pertinent info, but i know you've probably taken chemistry so you can probably follow
A microwave is a device that turns current into electromagnatic radiation. More specifically it turns it into microwaves. Hence the name huh? Microwaves work by causing molecules to constantly shift, rotate and move due to the electrostatic field. The more the molecules move the more they heat up. You've probably noticed that some foods heat faster then other. Water because it has a big dipole movement meaning that it has a big difference in positive and negative poles. So water heats extremely well, but fats, sugars do not. That's why it takes so long for chocolates to heat up. Lower water content and molecules like fats, sugars, and other organic compounds that have a small dipole movement.
Microwaves are just above radio waves which totally surround you. Microwaves are part of the electromagnetic radiation band where it is non-ionizing radiation. This means that the radiation cannot ionize particles within your body. When some things ionize they can create free radicals which can mutate DNA and could possibly create cancer. So you cannot get cancer from a microwave or radio waves. As you progress to smaller wavelength, higher frequency, to visible light, ultra violet, x-ray, gamma. Infared is where radiation starts to become ionizing. Hence why ultraviolet, UV rays, can cause skin cancer. X-rays and gamma rays can penetrate even deeper into your body causing various forms of cancer. Gamma rays are when you start having problems. These can be created by radioactive elements like uranium 235, radioactive cesnium, etc.
Microwaves are also built to contain the microwaves hence the mesh on the door. The mesh can actually reflect it, because the wavelength of microwaves is around 10cm. You wouldn't want the microwaves hitting you. You are mostly water so you would heat up. But the fda does impose standards and they are required to contain most of the microwave radiation.
They are really great. They are efficient quick and possibly safer then other forms of cooking. They tend to burn food less. Anytime you cook foods especially meats, amino acids can be turned to into possible carcinogens. That's why bbq'ing food everyday is probably not the best thing. Unfortunately they cannot flavor as much because burning amino acids produces a lot of flavor.
So sorry to make it so long, that's what engineers are good at. Complicating things. but if you want to know any more you know where i am. Yeah i know you're probably like this is too much
yeah and they kill like brain cells or something
Nope. it will not cause cancer. Just make sure there is no radiation leak or the microwave you purchased has passed Quality Contol.
By the way, why do you need to stare at the microwave while cooking or heating something though? :)
No you'll just turn into a martian. But dont worry , there are lots of martians here. Thanks to microwaves!
Old ones frequently leaked radiation (which causes cancer).
New one are much safer.
And I can guarantee you nothing will turn you into a Martian... bummer though... that you be kind of fun! :)
Certainly not by staring into the window to see if your food is done.
Dads say the funniest things.
When microwaves first came out, they said that they were dangerous, caused cancer, etc.... You had to stay far away from them when they were on!! My mother refused to have one in the house. She was always so much fun. : (
Now that I'm grown up I have 3 microwaves. I'm still leary about staring into them, though. I prefer being human as opposed to being martian. Better safe then sorry, I always say.
Microwaves use Radiation to cook your food. Like many have said on this discussion you are most better safe with a new microwave then the ones from the 60's or when ever they were invented.. But yes you will be ok to use one.