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Centrifuge
A centrifuge uses rapid rotation so that a large centripetal acceleration separates components of a mixture.
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Recommended for Class 11
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.
Exam Focus
Exam Focus
Important points
- Rapid rotation → large a_c
- Used to separate mixture components
- Based on centripetal acceleration
Common Mistakes
Common Mistakes
- Mistake
Saying acceleration is zero because speed is constant.
- Mistake
Directing centripetal acceleration outward.
- Mistake
Directing velocity toward the centre.
- Mistake
Treating centripetal force as an additional force.
- Mistake
Using diameter instead of radius.
- Mistake
Forgetting the square of velocity.
- Mistake
Assuming friction always acts opposite to the vehicle’s forward motion.
- Mistake
Using N = mg on every banked surface.
- Mistake
Ignoring other radial forces.
- Mistake
Confusing centripetal and tangential acceleration.
Revision Zone
60-Second Revision
Quick cues from this topic — use them for last-minute revision.
Rapid rotation → large a_c
Used to separate mixture components
Based on centripetal acceleration
A centrifuge uses rapid rotation so that a large centripetal acceleration separates components of a mixture.
Rapid rotation → large ac
- Definition
- A centrifuge uses rapid rotation so that a large centripetal acceleration separates components of a mixture.
- Formula
- Rapid rotation → large a_c
- Critical warning
- Saying acceleration is zero because speed is constant.
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