Panasonic NN ST342M: Introduction

Introduction

Cooking with Microwave Energy

Microwaves are a form of high frequency electromagnetic waves (approx 12cm wavelength) similar to those used by a

radio. Electricity is converted into microwave energy by the magnetron tube. The microwaves travel from the magnetron

English

English

tube to the oven cavity where they are reflected, transmitted or absorbed.

Reflection

Transmission

Absorption

Microwaves are reflected by metal

Microwaves pass through some

Microwaves are absorbed by food.

just as a ball is bounced off a wall.

materials such as paper, glass and

They penetrate to a depth of about 2

A combination of stationary (interior

plastic much like sunlight shining

to 4cm. Microwave energy excites

walls) and rotating metal (turntable

through a window. Because these

the molecules in the food (especially

or stirrer fan) helps assure that the

substances do not absorb or reflect

water, fat and sugar molecules), and

microwaves are well distributed with-

the microwave energy, they are ideal

causes them to vibrate very quickly.

in the oven cavity to produce even

materials for microwave oven cook-

The vibration causes friction and heat

cooking.

ing containers.

is produced. In large foods, the heat

which is produced by friction is con-

ducted to the center to finish cooking.

- Eng-19 -