Microwaves are attracted to which substances?

• A. Metal
• B. Water, Sugar, Fat
• C. Glass
• D. Wood

Answer: (B)

Microwave heating works by causing the molecules inside food to rotate in response to the oven’s electromagnetic field. Substances with dipolar or polar molecules readily absorb this energy and turn it into heat. Water is the strongest absorber, which is why moisture-rich foods heat quickly. Sugars have polar groups as well, so they can absorb microwaves and contribute to heating too. Fats contain polar components and can absorb some energy, especially when they’re part of a moist, well-m mixed food matrix. In contrast, metals reflect microwaves, and glass or wood don’t absorb microwave energy significantly, so they don’t heat directly. Therefore, substances like water, sugar, and fat are what microwaves interact with to produce heat.