Centrifuging a Sample
Contents
- Sodium Iodide + Mercury(II) Chloride
- Like Dissolves Like
- Ferrofluid
- Ice Bomb
- Oxidation of Glycerin
- Mercury Beating Heart
- Nitrogen Triiodide Detonation
- Cadmium Nitrate + Sodium Sulfide
- Copper(II) Nitrate + Ammonia
- Sodium + Acid
- Denaturation of Protein
- Hydrolysis of t-Butyl Chloride
- Centrifuging
- Which Is Hot?
- Dust Explosion
- Thermite
The demonstration on this page shows a technique that should not be used in the chemistry laboratory. This video shows what happens to sample in a centrifuge while the centrifuge is on, and the result of stopping the centrifuge improperly.
Discussion
Clear the area around the centrifuge, and then turn it on. Allow the centrifuge to begin spinning. Watch and listen to the centrifuge to be sure that it has been balanced correctly.
An unbalanced centrifuge will:
- make a loud noise (similar to the sound of a helicopter)
- move across the lab bench (and possibly fall off the bench)
- NOT complete a good separation.
If balanced, allow the centrifuge to spin for about 30 seconds, then turn the power off, and allow the centrifuge to come to a stop slowly. NEVER stop a centrifuge by using your hand as a brake.
Journal of Chemical Education is a publication of the Division of Chemical Education, Inc. of the American Chemical Society.