A centrifuge uses centrifugal force to separate materials of different densities in a liquid or fluid.

 A centrifuge uses centrifugal force to separate materials of different densities in a liquid or fluid. By rapidly rotating a container (rotor) containing the mixture, denser components are pushed outward towards the bottom of the container, while lighter components remain closer to the center. This separation is based on the principle of sedimentation, where heavier particles settle out of the liquid due to the centrifugal force. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Centrifugal Force:

When an object rotates, it experiences a force that pulls it outwards from the center of rotation. This is the centrifugal force. 

Sedimentation:

In a centrifuge, the centrifugal force is applied to a mixture. Denser particles are forced towards the bottom of the container, while lighter particles are pushed towards the top or remain suspended in the liquid. 

Rotor:

The rotor is a crucial part of the centrifuge. It holds the sample tubes or containers and spins them at high speeds, generating the necessary centrifugal force. 

Types of Rotors:

Different types of rotors are designed for various applications, such as fixed-angle, swinging bucket, and vertical rotors, each with its own advantages in terms of separation efficiency and run time. 

Applications:

Centrifuges are widely used in various fields, including laboratories for separating blood components, purifying proteins, and isolating cells, as well as in industrial processes for separating solids from liquids, says Bajaj Finserv. 

8 Types of Centrifugation with Principles and Uses

In essence, the centrifuge utilizes the principle of sedimentation, where particles are separated based on their density under the influence of centrifugal force.