The time required to bring something up to a specific temperature in a microwave depends on various factors, including the initial temperature of the item, its mass, shape, and the microwave's wattage.
The formula for calculating the time needed to heat an object in a microwave is given by:
Time (in seconds) = (Mass of the object x Specific Heat Capacity x Temperature Difference) / Microwave Wattage
Where:
- Mass of the object is in grams (g)
- Specific Heat Capacity is in J/(g°C) or J/(g*K)
- Temperature Difference is the final temperature minus the initial temperature in Celsius (°C) or Kelvin (K)
- Microwave Wattage is the power rating of the microwave in watts (W)
For instance, if you have an item with a mass of 500 grams, a specific heat capacity of 4.18 J/(g°C) (approximately the specific heat capacity of water), a temperature difference of 100°C (assuming the initial temperature is 112°F/44.4°C, for example), and a microwave with a power rating of 1000 watts:
Time (in seconds) = (500 g x 4.18 J/(g°C) x 100°C) / 1000 W = 20,900 seconds
Converting this to minutes:
Time = 20,900 seconds ÷ 60 seconds/minute ≈ 348.33 minutes
So, it would take approximately 348.33 minutes (around 5 hours and 48 minutes) to bring the item up to the set temperature of 212°F/100°C under these conditions.
Keep in mind that this is a simplified calculation and may not account for various complexities like uneven heating or changes in heating efficiency at higher temperatures. The actual time taken may vary, so it's essential to use a food thermometer to check the temperature of the item regularly during the microwaving process.