If a potato is placed on a paper plate which is white and unprinted and put in a microwave oven, the potato heats up, but the paper plate does not. This is because:

1. Potato is mainly made up of starch whereas paper is mainly made up of cellulose
2. Potato transmits microwaves whereas paper reflects microwaves
3. Potato contains water whereas paper does not contain water
4. Potato is a fresh organic material whereas paper is a dead organic material

Explanation

Option (c) is correct

• Microwave ovens heat substances by exciting water molecules. Potato has a high water content, so it absorbs microwave energy and heats up. Paper plate (dry, unprinted) has negligible water content; therefore, it does not absorb microwaves and remains cool. Composition (starch/cellulose) or organic nature is irrelevant to microwave heating.

Answer: (c) Potato contains water, whereas paper does not contain water