Generation of centrifugal force
Principle basis:
When an object moves in a circle around a fixed point (such as the axis of a centrifuge), a force away from the fixed point is generated, which is the centrifugal force. The magnitude of the centrifugal force is proportional to the mass of the object, the radius of rotation, and the square of the angular velocity.
Practical application:
In a centrifuge, this fixed point is the centrifuge shaft, and the rotating object is the mixed sample placed in the centrifuge rotor or centrifugal disk.
Sample loading and distribution
Sample placement:
Place the mixture sample to be separated in the sample hole of the centrifuge rotor or centrifuge disk.
Uniform distribution:
Ensure that the sample is evenly distributed in the centrifuge rotor or centrifuge disk to avoid unbalanced load, which is the key to ensure stable operation and effective separation of the centrifuge.
Rotation and separation process
Start the rotation:
After the centrifuge is started, the motor drives the rotor or centrifugal disk to rotate rapidly, generating a strong centrifugal force.
Separation effect:
Under the action of centrifugal force, different components in the mixture are subjected to different degrees of force due to differences in their physical properties such as density and size, causing them to separate in the centrifugal field. Usually, the heavier components will settle to the bottom of the centrifuge tube or centrifugal disk, while the lighter components are located on the upper layer or form other layers.
Collection and processing of separation results
Stop rotation:
After the centrifugation process is completed, the centrifugal rotor or centrifugal disk stops rotating. Collect components: Use different methods to collect the separated components as needed. For example, pouring the upper liquid, removing solid precipitation, etc.
Subsequent processing:
According to the requirements of the experiment or production, the collected components are further processed or analyzed.
Centrifuges achieve separation of different components in a mixture through four key steps: generating centrifugal force, loading and evenly distributing samples, rotating and separating, and collecting and processing separation results. This process has wide application value in many fields such as biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacy, and environmental science.