Why do smaller particles travel faster in gel electrophoresis?

[sameeralord]

Hello guys,

Sorry it is electrophoresis

In electrophoresis is a similar electromotive force applied to all particles or are all particles accelerated at the same rate?

What I mean is let's say if every particle gets 10N.

F=ma and bigger particle would travel slower. So can't I include this in the answer. If they are only accelerated at the same rate I can understand how different particles would have different resistances?

So is the answer F=ma?

Thank you!

 

[Mapes]

Think about the steady state situation where each particle is traveling at a constant velocity. The electrophoretic force must be opposed by another counteracting force. What is this force, and how might it depend on particle size?