The inventor of the microwave oven, Percy Spencer, did not come across his invention by observing the melting of a specific substance. The story of how Spencer discovered the concept behind the microwave oven is actually a bit different.
Percy Spencer was an engineer and scientist working for the Raytheon Corporation in the late 1940s. While conducting research on radar-related technology, he noticed an unexpected occurrence. As he stood in front of an active magnetron (a vacuum tube used in radar systems), he noticed that a candy bar in his pocket had melted.
Intrigued by this observation, Spencer conducted further experiments using popcorn kernels and an egg. He placed the kernels near the magnetron and witnessed them popping, and then he placed the egg near the device, causing it to explode. These experiments led him to conclude that the rapid heating was due to the microwaves emitted by the magnetron.
Following this discovery, Spencer and his team at Raytheon developed the first microwave oven, known as the "Radarange." It was introduced in 1947 and was initially used for commercial and industrial purposes. Over time, microwave ovens became smaller, more affordable, and eventually found their way into household kitchens.
So, while it is true that Percy Spencer stumbled upon the concept of the microwave oven due to the unexpected melting of a candy bar, it wasn't a specific substance that melted more quickly than expected. Instead, it was the general observation of the candy bar melting in his pocket that sparked his curiosity and subsequent research.