How come heating milk in the microwave is safe?

How come heating milk in the microwave is safe? - Modern kitchen with cabinets and electric stove with oven under hood illuminated by shiny lamp in house

I was reading this question and began to ask myself...

Since milk contains calcium, and calcium is a metal (just like potassium), how come putting a cup of milk in the microwave is safe and there are no visible arcs or sparks?



Best Answer

When metal is exposed to microwave radiation, an electric potential difference can develop as the microwaves generate electric charge in parts of the metal. Flowing electricity can cause sparks as electrons migrate to places of lower potential. Solid metal is susceptible to this because its electrons are relatively loose, making it a good conductor of electricity.

Calcium (Ca) in milk is bonded with other atoms (mostly as calcium phosphate), so it doesn't behave as a solid metal would: first because its electrons are secured in bonds with other atoms, and second, because the Ca atoms are not aggregated together but intermixed with nonconducting ones.




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Is it bad to heat milk in microwave?

Is It Safe To Microwave Milk? Whether you're heating milk in a microwave, double boiler or pot, you're facing two basic risks; either the milk will scorch to the bottom of the container or develop an unpleasant protein film on the surface. Scorched milk is very unpleasant and cannot be reused.

Can you get sick from microwaved milk?

No, there is nothing about raising otherwise-safe milk rapidly to a high temperature that is going to make you sick. Unless you are already lactose intolerant or otherwise allergic to milk. Raising milk rapidly to a temperature above the danger zone (140 F / 60 C) is going to make it safer, not less safe.



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Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

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