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ANSWERS: 2
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As its name implies, a microwave oven uses intense microwaves to heat and cook food. Like any electromagnetic wave, a microwave consists of electric and magnetic fields. When the strong microwaves produced by a microwave oven interact with a sheet of aluminum foil, their electric fields cause the mobile electrons in the foil to accumulate at the sheet's sharp, pointed tips. This build-up of electrons creates a strong electric field in the surrounding air. When the electric field becomes strong enough it causes free electrons in the air to accelerate and jar loose more electrons from gas molecules in the air, which then go on to jar even more electrons loose. This chain reaction creates an electrical charge in the air, which shows itself as sparks. Although rounded metal objects such as spoons are less likely to create sparks, the safest bet is to avoid putting any kind of metal in the microwave.
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If the foil curls around and almost touches, it will arc and actually melt the foil. If we are talking a stick of margarine, there could be a flame but will go out most certainly if you shut it off. It doesn't do any good putting foil in a microwave, one quarter wavelength is approximately .75" and as food is any closer to the metal foil, it will not cook. In other words we are talking max power=.75" to no power next to the foil. Also, metal in the microwave doesn't hurt anything, silverware is ok.
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