Aug 4, 2008 6:17 pm US/Eastern
Internet Rumor: Pop Goes The Cell Phone
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
After "popping" up two months ago, the popular You Tube video showing cell phones popping popcorn kernels has turned into an internet sensation.
Millions have viewed the video, wondering if what they're seeing could in fact be true. So, is it?
Can the energy from four cell phones actually create enough heat to cook popcorn?
According to University of Pennsylvania Bio-Engineering Professor Kenneth Foster, the answer is no.
"It's like seeing a car jump across the Grand Canyon. It's just physically impossible," said Foster.
While cell phones do give off the same type of energy as a microwave, the hand held devices have only 1/10,000 as much power as the typical microwave.
According to Foster, you would need 10,000 cell phones to come close to popping a kernel.
So, who's behind the hoax? And how did they create such a convincing video?
In an interview with CNN, the CEO of Cardo Systems (a bluetooth manufacturer) admitted to using editing to produce the video, which served as a viral advertising campaign for its products.
If Cardo Systems was looking for web recognition, they certainly achieved that much.
Since the videos debut, many You Tube users have responded to the hoax, one going as far as showing other users how to dismantle a microwave in an attempt to achieve the same effect.
Foster says this is not a good idea and could prove dangerous.
"If the microwave doesn't burn you, you could get electrocuted from the power supply, so I'd strongly urge people not to try this. It's very dangerous."
Our advice? Next time you crave popcorn, put down the phone and just pop it in the microwave.
To watch the complete video,
click here.
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