Centrifuge

29. Definition

A centrifuge is a device that rapidly rotates a mixture to separate substances with different densities.

The container supplies centripetal force to keep the mixture moving in a circular path.

Denser particles respond differently from the surrounding liquid and collect toward the outer part of the rotating container.

30. Centrifuge in Easy Words

During rapid rotation:

• The container forces the liquid to move in a circle.
• Different components respond differently because of their densities.
• Denser material separates from the less dense liquid.
• After rotation, the separated material can be examined.

31. Applications of Centrifugation

The textbook gives applications such as:

• Separating suspended substances from liquids
• Laboratory sample analysis
• Separating cream from milk
• Removing water from clothes in a washing-machine spin cycle

A laboratory centrifuge should only be operated under proper supervision and according to its safety instructions.