On this site, you will find out how not to operate a microwave oven. Get a microwave from a garage sale, junkyard. Now realize that there are two types of microwave ovens: The ones that work, and the ones that don't. The ones from the junkyard won't work, so you'll have to repair it - which shouldn't be too hard if you're lucky. You would be surprised how many people throw good appliances away, not thinking to check the fuse. Anyhow your best bet is to gather your materials for this experiment, and walk into your very own kitchen. (preferably someone elses!)
Plug a microwave in, and put some food in there. Turn it on. Do you hear the typical noise? Does the food get hot? If so, then you've got a good microwave, worthy of any experiments you might want to perform. If your microwave doesn't work, check the fuse, and check for any loose wires. If all seems okay then bust it open and remove the parts. It's usually the electronics that's fried - the transformer, diode, and capacitor will probably still be good. Those are good things to have around, so keep them.
Follow these steps. In reality, this experiment won't hurt the microwave, but don't blame me anyway. It will leave a thin black film of carbon on the walls and cieling. A brillow pad and soap gets it off pretty well.
Fairly interesting stuff to say the least. Everyone has their own theories as to how this phenomenon works, but here's ours:
1.) The match burns, releasing a rising stream of carbon-rich gas.
2.) Due to the conductive nature of carbon, it absorbs the microwave energy and burns.
3.) Localized hot air around the plasma causes it to rise and be subjected to surrouding air currents (fan from microwave).
