Helpful Animations

The dipolar polarization heating mechanism is illustrated in the animation above. The dipole of the water molecule attempts to align with the oscillating electronic field of the microwave radiation. Heating occurs because the water molecules cannot actually keep up.
For a faster animation try: high-octane water, nitro-water, or water on methamphetamine. (MouseOver Here to Reset).

The ionic heating mechanism is illustrated in the animation above. The formally charged ions oscillate with the electronic field of the microwave radiation. The effect is stronger than the dipolar polarization mechanism.
For a faster animation try: spastic NaCl, epileptic NaCl, or NaCl in San Francisco on October 17, 1989 at 5:04 PM. (MouseOver Here to Reset).

A three dimensional plot of Raman spectra versus time taken for the course of a reaction lead us to some interesting discoveries. Plus it looks really cool.