Something that I’ve noticed across most of the microwave ovens that I’ve used is that when they hum while cooking food, I can pick out 2 distinct tones. One of them is pretty clearly 60 120 hz, the 2nd harmonic of the AC power frequency. The other is consistently a minor 7th above that (which would be somewhere around 106-108 212-214 hz depending on the exact ratio). What causes this 2nd frequency to be produced?
Edit: after checking against a tone generator, the low frequency is actually 120 hz, double the grid frequency. The question is still the same, just an octave higher.
What do you think is happening to the popcorn when you put it in the microwave?
Anyway, microwave popcorn is disgusting.
How do you recommend cooking popcorn, Mr Blumenthal?
In a popcorn popper … or a pot.
Right tools for the job, eh