Which describes how a microwave transfers heat to leftover mashed potatoes?

radiation excites the motions of water molecules in the food, raising their total kinetic energy

the hot oven comes in contact with the cold food and heat is transferred until both are at the same temperature

heated air currents circulate around the food, transferring their kinetic energy to the food particles

spinning the food on a turntable transfers kinetic energy to the food particles

Question

Which describes how a microwave transfers heat to leftover mashed potatoes?
 
		
radiation excites the motions of water molecules in the food, raising their total kinetic energy
 		
the hot oven comes in contact with the cold food and heat is transferred until both are at the same temperature
 		
heated air currents circulate around the food, transferring their kinetic energy to the food particles
 		
spinning the food on a turntable transfers kinetic energy to the food particles

jfraser · Answer

substances that don't contain much water don't heat up all that well in a microwave...

anonymous · Answer

microwaves work by speeding up water molecules, increasing their kinetic energy. This is another way of saying that the food gets hotter.

anonymous · Answer

so it will be the second choice?

anonymous · Answer

No, there isn't much conduction of heat.

anonymous · Answer

heated air currents circulate around the food, transferring their kinetic energy to the food particles

anonymous · Answer

?

anonymous · Answer

HI,

I was hinting that the first answer is the correct one.