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Material Type: Lab; Class: Physics II: Elec & Magnetism; Subject: Physics; University: Clark Atlanta University; Term: Unknown 1989;
Typology: Lab Reports
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Measuring the Speed of Light with a Microwave Oven
In Chapter 34 we will study electromagnetic waves. Light and microwaves are familiar examples. In this lab exercise you will measure the speed of light using a microwave oven by determining the wavelength of the microwaves produced in the oven. The relationship between the wavelength and the speed of light is c = f ; (1)
where f is the frequency. The heating of foods by microwaves is caused by the transfer of energy from the microwaves to the food. The key ingredient of food is water. The energy transfer is made possible by the interaction of the water moleculeís electric dipole moment with the microwaves. The potential energy of this interaction is U = p E; (2)
where p (p = 6: 17 10 ^30 Cm) is the dipole moment of a single water molecule and E is the time varying electric Öeld of the microwave.
Measure the speed of light.
Bar of Chocolate (or slice of cheese ): dimensions greater than 18 cm 8 cm.
Standard Consumer Microwave Oven
Paper Towel
Tooth Picks
Ruler with centimeter measurement