Determining the Speed of Light Using a Microwave Oven
Michael Hajduk, Karen J. Uffalussy, Evan Granite · 2016
The speed of light can be calculated by measuring the maxima of the standing waves formed inside of a household microwave oven. We performed three trials: a first with one-layer of marshmallows on a ceramic plate; a second with a bar of chocolate placed face up on a ceramic plate; and a third experiment with a bar of chocolate on a microwave-safe paper plate. The marshmallow trial and the chocolate – ceramic experiments were unsuccessful, and ended in a sticky mess, while the chocolate trial on a paper plate gave good results. By measuring burn marks left by a bar of chocolate on the paper plate we were able to successfully calculate the speed of light to within 3% error of the accepted value. With proper supervision and different emphasis, the experiments or demonstrations are suitable for students from elementary to college age.