system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
How effective are microwaves at sterilizing objects?

Let's say I drop a slice of apple on the ground. It is now covered in germs.  I have always assumed i could throw it in the microwave oven for a few seconds, and that would instantly kill any bacteria on it. 

Am i right? Does microwaving an object sterilize it?
gpt
Microwaves can sterilize by heat - the radiation isn't at a toxic wavelength (i.e., doesn't pack enough energy) to kill most organisms. Microwave sterilization time would vary by the amount of moisture in the food, and wouldn't work to clean macroscopic dirt particles from food.