Centripetal Force Calculation: How Many G's Can Your Centrifuge Simulate?

In summary, the conversation is about constructing a centrifuge to simulate increased gravity using its spinning motion. The formula for centripetal force is needed to calculate the force of gravity that can be simulated. The centrifuge can spin at 35,000 rpms and samples are placed 1.75 inches from the center of rotation. To calculate the simulated force of gravity, the acceleration due to gravity (g = 9.81m/s2) must be used.
  • #1
JarrettHayama
1
0
#1 Round and round we go! You are constructing a centrifuge to use its spinning motion to act like increased gravity.
(a) Find the formula for centripetal force.
(b) Your centrifuge can spin at 35,000 rpms and your samples are placed 1.75 inches from the center of rotation. If the force of gravity is g = 9.81m/s2, how many times the force of gravity can your centrifuge simulate?
 
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  • #2
JarrettHayama said:
#1 Round and round we go! You are constructing a centrifuge to use its spinning motion to act like increased gravity.
(a) Find the formula for centripetal force.
(b) Your centrifuge can spin at 35,000 rpms and your samples are placed 1.75 inches from the center of rotation. If the force of gravity is g = 9.81m/s2, how many times the force of gravity can your centrifuge simulate?

That last bit should read, "If the acceleration due to gravity is..."

What have you tried so far?
 

Related to Centripetal Force Calculation: How Many G's Can Your Centrifuge Simulate?

1. What is centripetal force?

Centripetal force is the force that acts on an object moving in a circular path towards the center of the circle. It is required to keep the object moving in a curved path instead of a straight line.

2. How is centripetal force calculated?

The formula for calculating centripetal force is F = m * v^2 / r, where F is the force in Newtons, m is the mass of the object in kilograms, v is the velocity of the object in meters per second, and r is the radius of the circular path in meters.

3. What are the units for centripetal force?

The units for centripetal force are Newtons (N), which is equivalent to kg*m/s^2. This is the unit of measurement for force in the International System of Units (SI).

4. Can centripetal force be negative?

No, centripetal force cannot be negative. It always acts towards the center of the circle and is therefore always a positive value.

5. What factors affect the magnitude of centripetal force?

The magnitude of centripetal force is affected by the mass of the object, the speed of the object, and the radius of the circular path. As any of these factors increase, the centripetal force required to keep the object moving in a circular path also increases.

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