What do Microwaves do to Water? There is still a lot that hasn't been explained. Like, how does water move when placed in a microwave oven? Good question. The microwaves make the water molecules rotate. Rotate? Each individual molecule of water is rotating. One water molecule behaves like something you've seen before -- a compass and magnet. Drag the Magnet Around with the Mouse The magnet causes the compass to rotate. I've done that before. But what does that have to do with water? Water is not a compass needle.

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