Centrifuge acceleration expressed in terms of gravity

In summary, the biophysicist needed to determine the magnitude of the centripetal acceleration provided by an analytic ultra-centrifuge at various speeds and radii. Using the equation ac = 4pie^2 * r * f^2, they calculated the magnitude to be 3312825.6 m/s^2 when the centrifuge was spinning at 6.0*10^4 rpm and the distance from the center was 0.084m. To express this in terms of g (Earth's gravity), they multiplied the answer by 1g/(9.8m/s^2), resulting in an acceleration of 338234.8 g.
  • #1
ND3G
79
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A Biophysicist wants to separate sub-cellular particles with an analytic ultra-centrifuge. The biophysicist must determine the magnitude of the centripetal acceleration provided by the centrifuge at various speeds and radii.

Calculate the magnitude of the centripetal acceleration at 8.4 cm from the centre of the centrifuge when it is spinning at 6.0*10^4 rpm. Express your answer in terms of g (acceleration due to Earth's gravity).

Given:

r = 0.084m
f = 60000 / 60s

Required: ac

Analaysis:

ac = 4pie^2 * r * f^2

Solution:

ac = 4(3.14)^2 * 0.084m * (60000 / 60s)^2

= 3312825.6 m / s^2

Now I am a bit unclear as to how to express this in terms of g (Earth's gravity).

I could factor in 9.8 m / s^2 but that only changes the direction of the ac force by .001 m / s2

/F/ = /ac^2/ + /Fg^2/

I think I am approaching this from the wrong angle. Any suggestions?
 
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  • #2
Use the equation 1g = 9.8m/s^2 (g = accel due to gravity, not gram).

Multiply your answer by 1 ( = 1g/(9.8m/s^2) )...
 
  • #3
Doh! So easy. Thanks
 

FAQ: Centrifuge acceleration expressed in terms of gravity

What is centrifuge acceleration?

Centrifuge acceleration is the increase in acceleration experienced by an object when it is placed in a centrifuge, which is a device that rotates at a high speed in order to separate materials based on their density.

How is centrifuge acceleration expressed?

Centrifuge acceleration is typically expressed in units of gravitational force, or g-forces. This is because the acceleration experienced in a centrifuge is equivalent to the acceleration due to gravity on Earth.

How is centrifuge acceleration measured?

Centrifuge acceleration can be measured using a variety of methods, such as a centrifuge tachometer or a laser tachometer. These devices measure the rotational speed of the centrifuge and can calculate the corresponding acceleration.

What is the relationship between centrifuge acceleration and gravity?

The relationship between centrifuge acceleration and gravity is that centrifuge acceleration is a multiple of gravity. For example, if a centrifuge has an acceleration of 10 g, it means that the acceleration in the centrifuge is 10 times greater than the acceleration due to gravity on Earth.

Why is it important to express centrifuge acceleration in terms of gravity?

Expressing centrifuge acceleration in terms of gravity helps to provide a better understanding of the forces acting on objects within the centrifuge. It also allows for easier comparison between different types of centrifuges and their respective acceleration levels.

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