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.

  • @Mr_Blott
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    -11 year ago

    How do you recommend cooking popcorn, Mr Blumenthal?

    • @SpaceNoodle
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      1 year ago

      In a popcorn popper … or a pot.

      • @Mr_Blott
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        01 year ago

        Right tools for the job, eh