*****Must be 400 words***** Centripetal force is a concept in physics that is re
ID: 1652639 • Letter: #
Question
*****Must be 400 words*****
Centripetal force is a concept in physics that is related to some fun applications. For example, centripetal force is used in roller coasters. When going in loops on the roller coaster, centripetal force is calculated and used in the design of the height of the loop, the speed of the roller coaster, etc to maintain a safe and fun experience. Centripetal force keeps us in our seats on the roller coaster ride. One medical example of centripetal force is the centrifuge used in labs when testing blood. Describe and discuss a medical application for centripetal force.
Explanation / Answer
the subject of "centrifugal force"—which, as noted earlier, is really just centrifugal motion—you might ask, "If there is no such thing as centrifugal force, how does a centrifuge work?" Used widely in medicine and a variety of sciences, a centrifuge is a device that separates particles within a liquid. One application, for instance, is to separate red blood cells from plasma.
Typically a centrifuge consists of a base; a rotating tube perpendicular to the base; and two vials attached by movable centrifuge arms to the rotating tube. The movable arms are hinged at the top of the rotating tube, and thus can move upward at an angle approaching 90° to the tube. When the tube begins to spin, centripetal force pulls the material in the vials toward the center.
Materials that are denser have greater inertia, and thus are less responsive to centripetal force. Hence, they seem to be pushed outward, but in fact what has happened is that the less dense material has been pulled inward. This leads to the separation of components, for instance, with plasma on the top and red blood cells on the bottom. Again, the plasma is not as dense, and thus is more easily pulled toward the center of rotation, whereas the red blood cells respond less, and consequently remain on the bottom.
Related Questions
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.