UPSC Prelims 2010·GS1·science-and-technology·science and technology

If a potato is placed on a pure paper plate which is white and unprinted and put in a microwave oven, the potato heats up but the paper plate does not. This is because

Dalvoy logo
Reviewed by Dalvoy
UPSC Civil Services preparation
Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. APotato is mainly made up of starch whereas paper is mainly made up of cellulose
  2. BPotato transmits microwaves whereas paper reflects microwaves
  3. CPotato contains water whereas paper does not contain waterCorrect
  4. DPotato is a fresh organic material whereas paper is a dead organic material

Explanation

The correct answer is C because of how microwave ovens function. Microwaves work through a process called dielectric heating. The oven emits waves that specifically target polar molecules, the most common being water. When microwaves pass through the potato, the water molecules inside vibrate rapidly, creating friction that generates heat. A pure, dry paper plate contains little to no water, so the microwaves pass through it without being absorbed or causing molecular vibration. Consequently, the potato gets hot while the paper plate remains relatively cool.
science-and-technology: If a potato is placed on a pure paper plate which is white and unprinted and put in a microwave oven, the potato heats u
ShareWhatsAppXTelegram

Related questions

More UPSC Prelims practice from the same subject and topic.