Hooked on Science: Microwave light bulb

Light up a bulb without plugging it in.

Materials

* Incandescent light bulb

* Microwave

* Water

* Microwave-safe container

Instructions

CAUTION. THIS EXPERIMENT SHOULD ONLY BE PERFORMED BY AN ADULT.

STEP 1: Fill the microwave-safe container one-fourth of the way with water.

STEP 2: Place the metal end of the incandescent light bulb into the container of water.

STEP 3: Place the container with the light bulb into the microwave for fewer than 15 seconds and observe.

Explanation

The gas inside the light bulb is ionized, plasma forms and the light bulb "lights up."

Jason Lindsey is a science outreach educator with Hooked on Science. Check out his website hookedonscience.org for webcasts and experiments that might get you hooked on science.