How do microwave ovens use electromagnetic waves to cook food?

Question

1. The waves strike the surface of food, increasing its temperature.
2. The waves cause water molecules in food to vibrate and produce heat.
3. The waves transfer energy to the walls of the oven to heat the inner area.
4. The waves heat the air inside the oven enough to cook the food.

Answer 1

The correct explanation of how microwave ovens use electromagnetic waves to cook food is:

2. The waves cause water molecules in food to vibrate and produce heat.

Microwave ovens emit microwave radiation, which is a type of electromagnetic wave. When these waves penetrate the food, they interact primarily with water molecules, causing them to oscillate. This molecular movement generates heat, which then cooks the food. The other options provided are not accurate representations of how microwaves cook food in a microwave oven.