How to Microwave a CD Safely and How It Works

Microwaving a CD produces a mini-electrical storm. It's a striking display, but it ruins the CD, could zap the magnetron of the microwave and releases toxic gases. Here's a look at what happens when you microwave a CD, with tips to make the experience as safe as possible if you decide to try it yourself.

CD Photo: PiccoloNamek, Background Music: Azareal

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• microwave
• CD
• science projects
• microwaves
• physics
• aluminum
• lightning
• electricity
• plasma
• fire

[turbotonic27]

what program do you use to edit your videos?

[futsang]

@turbotonic27 I go between Adobe Premiere Pro and Cyberlink Powerdirector.

[iguanito64]

how did u do the first one? 0:04

[futsang]

@iguanito64 They are all done the same way. Appearance is a matter of lighting and how long the disc was nuked. If you microwave for just a few seconds, you'll get an incomplete pattern. It takes about 15 seconds for the full effect. After 30 seconds to a minute (depending on microwave power), the edges of the CD start to blacken and melt.

[OpoiOs8ELei1]

are you ready justin bieber CDs?

[SkillHouner]

@futsang i thought it was pretty creative about the cd art u did

[1Grizr]

Why do this in the first place?

[TheChattychatster]

can you still eat out of it

[Jollyduck101]

THX DUDE ILL NEED TO MICROWAVE MY CD IN THE FUTURE

[NichoPed]

NO NO NO T

[NichoPed]

Yaa futsagn

[NichoPed]

AWESOME