The Life Force of the Microwave Oven

• The magnetron is the life force of the microwave oven. A microwave oven works by sending microwaves of energy to the food, which causes the water content in the food to heat rapidly, thereby rapidly heating the food. In order for this to happen, a high-voltage system is necessary. The life force of this high-voltage system is the magnetron, which uses a combination of electric and magnetic fields in order to create the microwaves that "bounce" around the microwave to heat the food.
  
  

Internal Structure of the Magnetron

• A magnetron is made up of the following parts:
  
  * Anode/Plate: A hollow, iron cylinder that works with the cathode to
  control the movement of the microwaved energy
  * Cathode/Filament: In combination with electrical current, the
  filament emits electrons that travel between itself and the anode
  * Antenna: A probe that goes from the anode to the waveguide and
  helps to guide the energy emitted from the magnetron
  * Magnetic Field: Created by strong magnets that are mounted
  around the magnetron to create a magnetic field parallel to the
  cathode
  
  

How the Magnetron Works

• The process begins when an electrical current is sent to the cathode/filament. The heat that results from the electrical current causes an increase in molecular activity, thereby emitting electrons into the space between the cathode and anode. Both the cathode and the electrons are negative charges; the anode is a positive charge. This results in the electrons moving away from the cathode and toward the anode, at higher rates of speed as the temperature rises and causes more molecular activity.
  The electrons follow the antenna toward the anode. During this process, the electrons encounter the magnetic field, which detracts the electrons from their destination. The forces of the electric charge, together with the magnetic field, cause the electrons to travel in an ever-expanding circular orbit until the electron finally reaches the anode. This circular motion of electrons is what produces the microwaves of energy that allows food to be rapidly heated within the contained space of the microwave oven.