Memorandum

To: Dr. Christin Wilson

From: TCRM Project Team
Date: October 19, 2014
Subject: Microwave Phone Charger myth in response to request for proposal #1001
The proposal for the request for proposal #1001 is complete and will be submitted October 17,
2014. Our team proposes to research and test the internet myth that a phone can be charged
through the use of a microwave oven. Below is a brief background of the myth and also project
team description and budget estimations.
Microwave Phone Charger Myth
The Microwave Phone Charge myth originally comes from an Internet prank to trick people into
destroying their cell phones. However, the Maxwell-Faraday equation states that it might
actually be possible to charge a cell phone battery using a microwave. The myth then is an
interesting problem to investigate. The myth is both well-defined and would be entertaining to
watch making it a good choice for MythBusters. The final proposed plan will consider the myth
must be able to be tested safely and reliably.
TCRM Project Team
The TCRM Project Team consists of Principle Investigator Tyler Goodall, Research Investigator
Colton Cunningham, Technology Expert Matt Nesloney, and Head Editor Robert Stevens.
TCRM Project Team is a new team focused on establishing good relationships and building a
proven track record. The team all have backgrounds in the math and physics required for the
research project.
Budget
The estimated budget currently is $3700 dollars for the research and testing of the myth.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact us on TCRM@gmail.com or call

(210)-296-4765.

Executive Summary
This proposal is a response to the request for proposal #1001 to develop a new myth for the show
MythBusters. Our teams proposal is to test the myth that a microwave oven can be used to
charge a cellphoneor the Microwave Phone Charger. The myth originates from an Internet
prank that is still seen today. Although the myth sounds far-fetched, according to physics the
myth might not be as impossible as it sounds.
The Microwave Phone Charger satisfies following requirements making it an excellent choice
for MythBusters.

Can be tested safely

Can be tested reliably
Interesting backstory
The experiment would be entertaining to watch

The total estimated budget for the myth-specific cost is $3700, making the myth affordably to
test. Our team consists of the highly trained undergrad engineers with backgrounds in physics,
math, and also experience in research heavy projects.

The Myth
In the late 2000s an Internet rumor was started saying that you can use a microwave oven to
charge a smartphone. An image circulated the Internet that stated, In 2005 Apple started a
smear campaign to discourage customers from using this method as it would affect charger
sales. Of course, a few gullible people believed this, tried it, and ruined their smartphones. This
is because a microwave oven bombards the item that is heated with electromagnetic radiation.
The radiation causes polarized molecules in the item to rotate, which in turn causes the item to
build up heat. If you were to leave a smartphone in the microwave for too long, the heat that
builds up will cause the components of the phone to fail because the phone is not meant to be
subjected to such high heat. However, exposing electrical circuits to electromagnetic radiation
imposes a magnetic field on the circuits. According to the Maxwell-Faraday equation, imposing
a magnetic field on an electrical circuit induces an electrical field, as well as an electrical current
in the circuit. This, in theory, could charge a smartphone.
The teams proposal then is to test if a cellphone can be charged with a microwave oven. The
proposed title for the myth is Microwave Phone Charger. This myth is safe to test, easy to
understand, and interesting therefore makes a good myth for the show. The myth can also scale
up and show the effects of leaving a cellphone in a microwave for an extended period of time.

Proposed Plan
The goal is to create an experiment that determines if the electromagnetic radiation from a
microwave is strong enough to charge the cellphone before the cellphone is destroyed. The
following are five possible methods to determine if the cellphone charges.
1. Heat different models of cellphones individually in a microwave for the same amount
of time. Measure the batteries charge with an amp-hour meter after.
2. Heat different models of cellphones at the same time in a microwave. Measure the
batteries charge with an amp-hour meter after.
3. Heat the same phone model in a microwave for the different amounts of time.
Measure the batteries charge with an amp-hour meter after.
4. Heat the same models of a cellphone for the same amount of time for different
microwaves. Measure the batteries charge with an amp-hour meter after.
5. Heat the different models of cellphones individually in a microwave. Measure the
batteries charge while each phone is being heated.
To decide on the best method more resources and further research is required. Combinations of
the possible methods may be the most effective choice.
Additional Resources
The resources needed are microwaves, several cell phones, an amp-hour meter, and the
appropriate wires needed to connect the phone to the amp-hour meter.
Research
The following topics will be researched in-depth to obtain a greater understanding
between the interaction of a cellphone battery and microwave electromagnetic radiation.

Maxwell-Faraday equation
Microwave spectrum and emissions
Cellphone battery
Phone material heat capacities

The best method of testing will result in reproducible measurements of the change in battery
charge. Our recommendation to the production team must also consider the cost and safety of
the method.

Schedule of Work
A tentative work schedule is provided in Table 1 for the tasks and deliverables. Team meetings
will be required the Monday of every week as specified in the team contract.
Table 1: Schedule of work
Task
Team Contract
1.1 Assign and agree on team responsibilities
1.2 Agree on meetings and deadlines
Myth Proposal
2.1 Brainstorm and decide on appropriate myth
2.2 Basic research on myth
2.3 Design possible methods for testing
2.4 Estimate budget required
2.5 Deliver myth proposal
Progress Report
3.1 Complete in-depth research on myth
3.2 Create a more accurate budget estimation
3.3 Create and deliver progress report
Team Presentation
4.1 Finalize the best method for testing
4.2 Create and rehearse oral presentation to sell the
myth
4.3 Deliver oral presentation
Recommendation Report
5.1 Finalize budget estimation
5.2 Recommend the best approach for testing
supported by primary documents
5.3 Outline all safety requirements
5.4 Create and deliver the recommendation report
Collaboration Grade
6.1 Deliver the collaboration grade

Start Date

Completion Date

n/a
n/a

Completed
Completed

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed

17-Oct
17-Oct
20-Oct

20-Oct
20-Oct
24-Oct

24-Oct

27-Oct

24-Oct

27-Oct

29-Oct

29-Oct

29-Oct

31-Oct

29-Oct

31-Oct

29-Oct
31-Oct

31-Oct
3-Nov

4-Nov

5-Nov

Project Team
The project team consists of a Principle Investigator, a Research Investigator, a Technology
Expert, and a Head Editor who are all qualified to succeed with this project.
The Principle Investigator for the project is Tyler Goodall. Tylers credentials include relevant
coursework in physics, heat transfer, circuits, and mass transfer which can be applied to the
myth. Tyler has researched many projects during his time at Texas A&M most recently in
quantitative chemistry and numerical analysis.
The Research Investigator for the project is Colton Cunningham. This role entails conducting
broad research about the possible methods of testing, collecting data, and drawing conclusions
with respect to this data as well as the Principle Investigators research. Colton has experience in
coursework involving multivariable calculus, circuits and electrochemistry.
Matthew Nesloney, Technology Expert, has experience working with graphics and the use of
Microsoft Office to present data in an easy to understand manner. He created PowerPoint
slideshows for use by the Health, Safety and Environmental department of Key Energy Services
during the summer of 2014. These slideshows were used throughout the central marketplace to
educate and inform Key Energy Services employees of various health and safety tips and
guidelines. He also maintained various Excel spreadsheets containing incident data, as well as
improved said sheets to make them more accessible for people without much Excel experience.
The Head Editor, Robert Stevens has experience in qualitative analysis and has knowledge of
differential equations and the physics of statics and dynamics. Robert has participated in group
projects that involved heat transfer systems and fluid dynamics, and was responsible for editing
and revising all reports.

Budget
The budget is separated into two parts. Phase 1 is the budget required for the research,
evaluation, and planning of the proposal. Phase 2 is the budget needed for testing the myth and
the production of the episode.
Phase I
The estimated budget for phase I will be $2100. The specifics of the budget are in Table
2. Three different types of cellphones will be used to evaluate the five proposed plans.
Three different microwaves will also be tested to see the effect on each cellphones
charge. An amp meter is required to quickly evaluate the charge.

Table 2: Phase I budget

Materials
Brick Cellphone
Flip Cellphone
Smartphone
Amp hour
meter
Microwave

Quantity Estimated Price ($) Subtotal

5
50
250
5
100
500
5
200
1000

1
3

150
100
Grand total ($):

150
300
2200

Phase II
The estimated budget for phase II is $1500. The specifics of the budget are in Table 3.
Three trials of each cellphone are estimated to be run. Multiple microwaves might be
required if heating a cell phone damages the microwave. The estimate is an
approximation because the exact method of testing is not decided.
Table 3: Phase II budget
Materials
Quantity Estimated Price ($) Subtotal
Brick Cellphone
3
50
150
Flip Cellphone
3
100
300
Smartphone
3
200
600
Amp Hour Meter
1
150
150
Microwave
3
100
300
Grand total ($):
1500

Contact Information
Principal Investigator
Tyler Goodall
tgoodall92@gmail.com
(210) 296-4765

Research Investigator
Colton Cunningham
colton0595@gmail.com
(210) 347-3399

Technology Expert
Matthew Nesloney
mattnesloney@gmail.com
(713) 560-5976

Head Editor
Robert Stevens
rasteve2@gmail.com
(956) 622-2591