The Microwave Oven

A microwave oven heats food using microwaves, a type of energy that makes water molecules in the food vibrate quickly. The vibrations create heat, which cooks or warms the food from the inside out. Microwaves are contained inside the oven by a metal cage in the door.

Microwave ovens were discovered by accident when a scientist noticed that a chocolate bar in his pocket had melted. Microwave ovens became popular for home use in the second half of the twentieth century.