How to measure c with marshmallows and a microwave oven

[Darth Wong]

I thought this was amusingly clever.

Link

You get a virtual cookie if you can guess how it's done before you click on the link

[Terralthra]

Before clicking... c = frequency * wavelength. The frequency of microwaves is known to be 2.4ghz (iirc) so by microwaving a marshmellow, you can measure the distance between wave peaks fairly simply by measuring between burnt spots. That distance * 2.4ghz = c in your local medium.

[Singular Intellect]

You get a virtual cookie if you can guess how it's done before you click on the link

I'm on a diet anyhow. *clicks link*

Ah, now I see.

[darthbob88]

I've seen and done this a few times myself. IIRC, you put your chocolate, or marshmallows, or whatever in the microwave, nuke it for a bit, and check to see how far apart the melted portions are, since the microwaves don't heat perfectly evenly. This distance is half the wavelength of the microwaves used. The frequency used should be indicated on the microwave, so multiply the wavelength by the frequency to get an approximation of c.