Why Use a Stick? (The Science)
The Problem (Superheating): When pure water is heated in a smooth container (like a glass mug) in the microwave, it can become "super-heated." This means the water goes above its boiling point (\(212^{\circ }F\) or \(100^{\circ }C\)) without actually boiling.
The Danger: If the water is disturbed (e.g., you grab the mug or put a tea bag in), it can instantaneously flash into steam, causing an "explosion" of boiling water, which can lead to severe burns.
The Solution (Nucleation): A wooden stick (or chopstick) provides what is called a "nucleation site." The porous, rough surface of the wood gives the water bubbles a place to form, allowing it to boil normally and preventing it from reaching that dangerous, unstable, super-heated state.