ADVANCED/INTERMEDIATE ENGLISH LESSON: The language of how things work (5)

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How Does It Work (5)

During March we will be using the theme of “how things work” to increase our vocabulary.

This week’s English lesson :

A Microwave

 

SECTION ONE (How it works)

A microwave oven works by using a type of energy called electromagnetic waves, specifically microwaves, to heat and cook food. When you put your food inside and start the microwave, it generates these waves using a device called a magnetron. The microwaves bounce around inside the metal interior of the oven and are absorbed by the water molecules present in the food. As these water molecules absorb the microwaves, they start to vibrate quickly, which generates heat. This process heats the food from the inside out, allowing it to cook evenly and efficiently. Because microwaves target water molecules, they work best on foods that contain moisture, like soups or vegetables. This method of cooking is much faster than conventional ovens because it directly heats the food rather than the surrounding air. After a short time, you have hot, ready-to-eat meals without having to wait long!

VOCABULARY:  After reading the text discuss the word   “”

GRAMMAR:  Go back through the text and say all of the verbs in the text.

DIAGRAM

1

SECTION TWO (Vocabulary)

1. **Magnetron**: This is the key component of a microwave oven that generates microwaves. It converts electrical energy into microwave radiation, which cooks food.

2. **Waveguide**: This is a metal tube that channels the microwaves produced by the magnetron into the cooking chamber. It ensures the microwaves are distributed evenly for uniform cooking.

3. **Turntable**: A rotating plate inside the microwave that helps to evenly distribute microwaves, allowing food to cook more consistently by moving it through different microwave zones.

4. **Cooking Chamber**: This is the enclosed space inside the microwave where the food is placed. It is designed to reflect microwaves, ensuring they are directed towards the food for cooking.

5. **Control Panel**: The interface on the microwave that allows users to select cooking time, power levels, and other settings. It often includes buttons or a touchscreen for convenient operation.

6. **Power Supply**: This component provides the necessary electrical energy for the microwave oven to operate. It converts the household electrical supply into the voltage needed by the magnetron.

7. **Safety Interlock**: A security feature that ensures the microwave cannot operate while the door is open, preventing exposure to microwaves and ensuring user safety.

8. **Ventilation System**: This includes vents that allow steam and odors to escape during cooking. It helps prevent overheating and maintains a good cooking environment.

9. **Insulation**: Material that surrounds the cooking chamber to prevent heat loss and protect the outer casing from getting too hot, ensuring efficient cooking and safety.

10. **Timer**: A built-in mechanism that tracks the cooking time and indicates when the set time is up, alerting users that their food is ready to prevent overcooking.

SECTION FOUR:  Watch the 5 minute video and then answer the four questions below.

QUESTIONS:

  1. Who invented the microwave?
  2. Explain what a magnetron does.
  3. What part of food is activated by microwaves?
  4. The term, “microwave radiation can be alarming!”   What does, “alarming mean?
  5. Google question: Who REALLY invented radar and when?