What is the method by which a microwave heats food?

The method by which a microwave heats food is through di-electric heat. This process involves the use of electromagnetic waves, specifically microwave radiation, that excite water molecules within the food. As these molecules vibrate and move, they generate heat due to friction, which cooks or warms the food from the inside out. This is distinct from other heating methods.

Convection heat involves the movement of hot air or liquid around food, which is not applicable in the case of microwaves. Radiant heat typically refers to heat transfer by electromagnetic radiation, like infrared heating, but it does not involve the specific interactions of microwaves and water molecules as di-electric heating does. Conductive heat relies on direct contact with a hot surface to transfer heat, which does not apply in the same way with microwaves since they work through electromagnetic waves instead. Therefore, di-electric heat accurately describes the unique mechanism by which microwaves cook food.