Panasonic NN-ST 342 WZPE Manual De Usuario

- Eng-19 -

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

Microwaves are reflected by metal
just as a ball is bounced off a wall.
A combination of stationary (interior
walls) and rotating metal (turntable
or stirrer fan) helps assure that the
microwaves are well distributed with-
in the oven cavity to produce even
cooking.

Microwaves pass through some
materials such as paper, glass and
plastic much like sunlight shining
through a window. Because these
substances do not absorb or reflect
the microwave energy, they are ideal
materials for microwave oven cook-
ing containers.

Microwaves are absorbed by food.
They penetrate to a depth of about 2
to 4cm. Microwave energy excites
the molecules in the food (especially
water, fat and sugar molecules), and
causes them to vibrate very quickly.
The vibration causes friction and heat
is produced. In large foods, the heat
which is produced by friction is con-
ducted to the center to finish cooking.