Transcript Measuring Resolution with Marshmallows Experiment Updated September 2011 Background Why does food cook unevenly in a microwave? cc by Niels Heidenreich Updated September 2011

Measuring Resolution
with Marshmallows
Experiment
Updated September 2011
Background
Why does food cook unevenly in a
microwave?
cc by Niels Heidenreich
Updated September 2011
Microwaves are electromagnetic waves
cc by Lenny222
Updated September 2011
Microwaves work by causing the water,
sugar, and fat in food to absorb energy.
Image by Baran Ivo
Updated September 2011
Data Analysis
We can determine the frequency of a microwave
by measuring the “energy nodes”. We will do this
by heating marshmallows.
Follow the procedure on your worksheet. Record your
results.
Updated September 2011
Data Analysis
Compare the energy antinodes in the marshmallows to the airy patterns and limits
of resolution for a light microscope
Image from MicroscopyU
Updated September 2011
Data Analysis
On the electromagnetic spectrum chart:
1. Locate visible energy wavelengths. What
is the resolution limit?
2. Locate microwave energy wavelengths.
What is the resolution limit?
cc by Inductiveload
Electromagnetic radiation covers a huge range of
wavelengths. Light (the part of the
electromagnetic spectrum that we can detect with
our eyes) is only a small portion of this range. Xrays, light, and microwaves are all examples of
electromagnetic waves.
Updated September 2011
3. What energy source emits nanoscale
wavelengths? What measurement resolution
is required?
4. How much smaller are nanoscale
wavelengths compared to microwave
wavelengths? (ratio)
This module is one of a series designed to introduce faculty and high school
students to the basic concepts of nanotechnology. Each module includes a
PowerPoint presentation, discussion questions, and hands-on activities, when
applicable.
The series was funded in part by:
The National Science Foundation
Grant DUE-0702976
and the
Oklahoma Nanotechnology Education Initiative
Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in the
material are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the
National Science Foundation or the Oklahoma Nanotechnology Education Initiative.
Updated September 2011
Image Credits
Heidenreich, Neil. (Photographer) Croissant Fatality. Flickr. (www.flickr.com)
Microscopy U. (Designer). Airy Patterns and the Limit of Resolution. (www.microscopyu.com)
Inductiveload. (Designer). EM Spectrum Properties. Wikimedia Commons. (commons.wikimedia.org)
Ivo, Baran. (Photographer). Microwave Oven. Wikimedia Commons. (commons.wikimedia.org)
Updated September 2011
References
Davidson, Michael. Microscopy Basics: Resolution. Microscopy U. Retrieved from
http://www.microscopyu.com/articles/formulas/formulasresolution.html
Goldman, Martin V. Microwaves [Online Applet Lesson]. Physics 2000. Retrieved from
http://www.colorado.edu/physics/2000/index.pl?Page=index.pl?Type=TOC
Stauffer, Robert H. Finding the Speed of Light with Marshmallows-A Take-Home Lab (1997). The Physics Teacher.
Vol. 35, April 1997. p. 231.
Updated September 2011