What happens if you put metal in the microwave?

Question

What happens if you put metal in the microwave?

Answer 1

If the metal is very flat and doesn't have any rough edges exposed - i.e. it's smooth - very little should happen.

But if you put crumpled aluminum foil for instance, very high charge can build up on the sharp peaks and there will be an arc of charge through air to the electromagnet or waveguide - which could potentially destroy it depending on how large, and therefore destructive, the current is.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

Nothing... until you turn the oven on.

Then, SPARKS, and possible damage to the magnetron.

When the sparking stops, you will know for sure.

Answer 3

Just try it.  How bad can it be?  :-)