Centrifugal and inertial force in centrifuge

In summary: William McCall. The centrifuge tube is labeled "Inertial force" because it is a force that appears in a rotating frame, but not in an inertial frame.
  • #1
ChiralSuperfields
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Homework Statement
Would anybody please know why in my textbook below they show the centrifugal force with a inertial force? I though the centrifugal force was a result of the particle's inertia when viewed from an inertial frame. I don't understand why the diagram shows an inertial force when there was no previous mention of it in the textbook.

Many thanks!
Relevant Equations
## F_c = \frac {mv^2}{r} ## is a real force from an inertial frame.
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  • #2
An inertial force is a force that appears in a non-inertial frame but not in an inertial frame. The centrifugal force is an example of an inertial force. Also, ##\frac{mv^2}{r}## is not a force in an inertial frame; it is mass × acceleration. It appearss the centrifugal force in a rotating frame. I don't understand the label "Inertial force" next to the centrifuge tube on the right.
 
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  • #3
kuruman said:
An inertial force is a force that appears in a non-inertial frame but not in an inertial frame. The centrifugal force is an example of an inertial force. Also, ##\frac{mv^2}{r}## is not a force in an inertial frame; it is mass × acceleration. It appearss the centrifugal force in a rotating frame. I don't understand the label "Inertial force" next to the centrifuge tube on the right.
Thank you for your help @kuruman ! Sorry what did you mean by
##\frac{mv^2}{r}## is not a force in an inertial frame; it is mass × acceleration.
?

I though ##\frac {mv^2}{r} ## is a force in an inertial frame since ##a_c = \frac {v^2}{r}## so ##F_c = ma_c##. Did you mean the centripetal force is not a force in a non-inertial frame?

Many thanks!
 
  • #4
kuruman said:
##\frac{mv^2}{r}## is not a force in an inertial frame;
It is an identifiable force, but it is not a specific applied force. The centripetal force is that component of the net force which is normal to the velocity.
 
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  • #5
haruspex said:
It is an identifiable force, but it is not a specific applied force.
For a mass rotating at the end of a taut string, ##F_{net}=ma## translates to ##T=\frac{mv^2}{r}##. The net force is on the LHS and mass times acceleration on the RHS. I see no benefit in thinking of the RHS as a force but I see harm in the confusion it might cause in the minds of students who are learning how to construct and interpret FBDs.
 
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  • #6
What book is this? That arrow labeled ac does not make sense either. The plane of the circular trajectory is horizontal so the centripetal acceleration is horizontal. And so is the (inertial) centrifugal force.
And the tube is vertical when the centrifuge is not spinning so there is actually no centripetal acceleration or inertial force.
 
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  • #7
nasu said:
What book is this? That arrow labeled ac does not make sense either. The plane of the circular trajectory is horizontal so the centripetal acceleration is horizontal. And so is the (inertial) centrifugal force.
And the tube is vertical when the centrifuge is not spinning so there is actually no centripetal acceleration or inertial force.
Thank you for your replies @haruspex , @kuruman and @nasu !

It is University Physics Volume 1 (Openstax)
 

1. What is the difference between centrifugal and inertial force in a centrifuge?

Centrifugal force is the outward force that is created as a result of an object's circular motion in a centrifuge. Inertial force, on the other hand, is the force that an object experiences due to its own inertia, or resistance to changes in its motion. In a centrifuge, both of these forces work together to separate materials based on their density.

2. How does a centrifuge use centrifugal and inertial force to separate materials?

In a centrifuge, the mixture of materials is spun at high speeds, causing the denser materials to move towards the outer edge due to the centrifugal force. At the same time, the less dense materials move towards the center due to their lower inertia. This separation is achieved by adjusting the speed and duration of the centrifugation process.

3. Can centrifugal and inertial force be manipulated in a centrifuge?

Yes, the centrifugal and inertial force can be manipulated by adjusting the speed and duration of the centrifugation process. By increasing the speed, the centrifugal force becomes stronger, causing the denser materials to move towards the outer edge at a faster rate. Similarly, by increasing the duration, the inertial force becomes stronger, causing the less dense materials to move towards the center at a slower rate.

4. Are there any limitations to the use of centrifugal and inertial force in centrifuges?

Yes, there are some limitations to the use of centrifugal and inertial force in centrifuges. One limitation is that the materials being separated must have a significant difference in density for the process to be effective. Another limitation is that the materials must be able to withstand the high speeds and forces involved in the centrifugation process without being damaged.

5. How is the efficiency of a centrifuge affected by centrifugal and inertial force?

The efficiency of a centrifuge is directly affected by the strength of the centrifugal and inertial forces. A higher speed and longer duration of centrifugation can lead to a more efficient separation of materials. However, if the forces are too strong, it can also cause damage to the materials being separated and reduce the overall efficiency of the process.

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