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Hi all,
Can anyone please explain to me how a centrifuge exactly speeds up the sedimentation process. I understand that under noncentrifuge conditions the two forces acting on the particle in the test tube is the force of gravity and the force of buoyancy. Obviously if the test tube laid there for ages then the sedimentation would take place as the force of gravity is slightly stronger in magnitude than the force of buoyancy. However, what makes a centrifuge speed this process up? I understand that in the centrifuge there is an extra centripetal force towards the rotation axis, but how does this force cause the particles to settle more quickly?
Thanks in advance.
Can anyone please explain to me how a centrifuge exactly speeds up the sedimentation process. I understand that under noncentrifuge conditions the two forces acting on the particle in the test tube is the force of gravity and the force of buoyancy. Obviously if the test tube laid there for ages then the sedimentation would take place as the force of gravity is slightly stronger in magnitude than the force of buoyancy. However, what makes a centrifuge speed this process up? I understand that in the centrifuge there is an extra centripetal force towards the rotation axis, but how does this force cause the particles to settle more quickly?
Thanks in advance.