CLIP 8736

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Calculating the speed of light using a microwave

Calculating the speed of light using a microwave
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Key Info
  • Calculating the speed of light using a microwave
  • Duration: 04:09
  • Dr Yan Wong uses a microwave and buttered bread to calculate the speed of light. The distance between melted sections of butter gives the wavelength, which is multiplied by the frequency to give the speed. Take care to follow Dr Yan's advice if attempting this experiment yourself. Published as part of the Bang Goes the Theory website: bbc.co.uk/bang/. Please note this clip is only available in Flash.
  • Subject:

    Science

       Topic:

    Phys: Waves - Sound and Light

  • Keywords: microwave, speed of light, frequency, wavelength, physics, maths, observation, BangGoesTheTheory
Ideas for use in class
  • This clip could be used as an introduction to microwaves. After showing the clip the teacher could repeat it in the classroom or students could be set it for homework, providing they are supervised.
Background details
  • Clip language : English
  • Aspect ratio : 16x9
Video options
  • Location of Flash Video clip:

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