Centrifuge

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/centrifuge

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the fundamental principle?Separation of components based on density differences by applying centrifugal force
2. What is the historical significance?Gustaf de Laval's 1878 cream separator marked the first industrial application
3. What is a centrifuge and how does it work?A centrifuge is a machine that spins very fast to push heavier parts of a mixture outward and lighter parts inward, separating them.
4. Why do scientists use centrifuges?Scientists use them to split blood, DNA, proteins, and other tiny parts so they can study or test them.

Centrifugal Force: An apparent outward force experienced in a rotating frame of reference, arising from inertia.
Density Gradient Centrifugation: A technique using a density gradient medium to separate particles based on subtle density differences.
Ultracentrifuge: A high-speed centrifuge capable of generating forces over 1,000,000 g for separating macromolecules.