The rotating glass tray in a microwave oven rotates through the use of a motor and a turntable guide. Here's how it works:
Motor: Inside the base of the microwave, there is a small electric motor. This motor is responsible for providing the rotational movement to the turntable.
Turntable Guide: The turntable guide is a small circular or rectangular ring with a series of notches or grooves. It is usually made of plastic or other heat-resistant materials. This guide is placed on the microwave oven's base, just above the motor.
Coupler or Drive Shaft: The motor's rotational force is transferred to the turntable through a coupler or drive shaft. The coupler is a small plastic or rubber piece that connects the motor to the turntable guide.
Turntable: The glass tray, also known as the turntable, is positioned on top of the turntable guide. The turntable sits securely within the guide's notches or grooves, allowing it to rotate smoothly and consistently.
When the microwave is turned on and the cooking cycle begins, the motor is activated, and it starts to rotate. The rotational force is transferred from the motor through the coupler or drive shaft to the turntable guide. As a result, the turntable guide, with the turntable sitting on top of it, starts to rotate as well.
The rotating glass tray serves several purposes in a microwave oven:
Even Cooking: By rotating the food, the microwave ensures more even cooking throughout the cooking process. This prevents hot or cold spots in the food and promotes uniform heating.
Preventing Stagnant Waves: Microwaves emit electromagnetic waves that cook the food. By rotating the turntable, the microwave oven ensures that the waves reach different areas of the food, preventing the formation of stagnant waves and improving the cooking efficiency.
Avoiding Overcooking: Rotating the food on the turntable helps prevent certain parts from being overcooked, as it keeps the food moving and evenly exposes all sides to the microwave energy.
Overall, the rotating glass tray in a microwave oven is a crucial feature that contributes to the efficient and even cooking of food inside the microwave cavity.