No, microwaving water does not change its molecular structure. When water is heated in a microwave and then cooled down, it is the same as the water before heating. After heating in a microwave, the molecular structure of the water experiences no lasting change.
There is low-energy electromagnetic radiation in the microwaves which do not have enough energy and thus, chemical bonds are not broken. This property of microwaves is opposite to x-rays and ultraviolet light.
The molecules with positive and negative regions are present in the microwave which interact with each other when the food is heated.
In water, the oxygen molecules have a negative charge and a positive charge is present in the hydrogen molecules. This indicates that water is a polar substance.
There are troughs and crests in microwaves and water has waves. There is a different alignment of the charged regions of a water molecule with the crests and troughs due to which the molecule spins after a wave passes through it.
The molecules are placed close to each other while spinning and as this process continues, friction is developed which produces heat. The microwave works by heating water and since water is the main ingredient in most of the food, it gets cooked by the microwave.
This indicates that there is no molecular change in water that is heated in the microwave. But during this process, hot/cold spots are formed which allows the bacteria to grow.
Reasons for forming of hot/cold spots
The food heated in the microwave develops some hot/cold spots due to the following reasons –
- Standing waves – There are to and fro motions of the microwave due to which standing waves are formed. These waves have nodes and anti-nodes at the middle of highest as well as lowest energy points. Apart from these, anti-nodes are also present. During the process of microwaving, less heat is produced at the areas of nodes which leads to the development of cold spots whereas at the areas of anti-nodes, more heat is produced which develops hot spots.
- Irregular shape and size of the food – During microwaving, the heat penetrates with 2 centimeters of the food and at this point, food gets cooked leaving the other parts uncooked. Thus, cold spots are formed due to the irregular shape and size of the food.
Is microwaving water bad?
Yes, microwaving water is bad even though it does not cause any molecular change in water when it is heated in the microwave. There are chances of getting burns when water is microwaved. This is because water gets superheated and when you take the cup of water out of the microwave, it can explode causing injuries to the user.
When water is heated in a microwave, molecules get excited causing them to vibrate against each other. As a result, friction is produced followed by heat.
Since there are no current-forming sudden movements, there is no bubbling of water but it gets heated up and thus, the temperature of the water reaches above its boiling point.
As soon as the door of the microwave is opened and the mug of water is grabbed, there can be an explosion of superheated water due to sudden movement and change in temperature. This can be as harmful as hot oil.
Thus, it can be said that microwaving water is a bad idea, instead, it should be done on a gas stove or in an electric kettle.
Does microwaving water sterilize it?
Yes, microwaving water does sterilize it by producing heat that is capable of killing the bacteria in water. In case you want to sterilize/purify the water, heat it in the microwave for a bit longer period due to which the microorganisms get killed.
Water molecules get heated during microwaving as in this process, electromagnetic radiation is used. It is not the microwave that kills the bacteria but the heat does this.
While boiling water in the microwave, it is advised to heat small quantities of water at a time as heat is distributed unevenly.
Does microwaving water kill bacteria?
Yes, microwaving water does kill bacteria. But it is not done in the way as expected. It has been found by many researchers that an item can be disinfected in the microwave mainly due to the heat produced by it.
So, if you want to kill bacteria in water, you should microwave it and when the temperature reaches more than its boiling point, the heat produced in the water is capable of killing bacteria and germs. In this way, water can be purified.
Microwave water kills plants, Is it true?
No, microwave water does not kill plants. It is a myth that has been circulating for a long time and it has been proved wrong by many experiments.
A research was conducted in which four pairs of romaine lettuce plants were taken and each one of them was given a different type of water, microwaved, stoved boiled, tap water, and no water at all.
The same amount of water and light were given to each plant for a week and it was found that the plant that received microwaved water thrives better as compared to other plants.
This indicates that there is no harm to the plants if they are given microwaved water.
Is microwave water safe to drink?
Yes, microwave water is safe to drink. Drinking water after boiling in the microwave causes no negative impact on health.
Non-ionizing radiation is used when water is boiled or heated in a microwave. This radiation is not capable of changing the chemical structure of water and does not even make it radioactive.
Thus, it can be said that it is completely safe to drink water after microwaving it but ensure that it has been brought down to room temperature before drinking.
Does microwaved water taste different?
No, microwaved water does not taste different. There is no change in the taste of water after heating.
The only way a change in taste can occur is when there is a change in the chemical composition of water. It can happen when water is heated in the microwave with a cheap plastic container that is not microwave safe.
Also, if the water is boiled for a long duration in the microwave, its temperature increases beyond the boiling point and can lead to a slight change in taste.
Conclusion
Based on the above information, it can be said that there is no change in the molecular structure of water when it is heated in a microwave. The chemical bonds in water are not destroyed while microwaving and thus, no changes are observed.
Microwaved water after cooling is the same as water before heating.