Question

Centrifugation is a process which involves the use of centrifugal force for the sedimentation of heterogeneous mixture with the centrifuge used in the industry.
(A) True
(B) False.

Answer 1

Centrifugation is a technique used to separate the solute particles from the solvent in the solution on the basis of their size, shape, density, viscosity of the medium and rotor speed.

Complete step by step solution:
For the process of centrifugation, the heterogeneous mixture, in which the solute and the solvent are separable from each other by physical methods, is taken in centrifuge tubes. The tubes are then placed in their respective slots and then the rotor is rotated at a particular speed. The rotation of the rotor around a central fixed axis generates a “centrifugal force” which separates the particles and the solvent. This centrifugal force is applied to each and every particle in the sample. The solute particles being heavier are seen to be settled at the bottom of the tube while the solvent floats above the solute. The particles settle down at the rate which is proportional to the centrifugal force applied to them. The viscosity of the sample and the physical properties of the solute particles also affect the rate of sedimentation. This principle of separation has been used in industries as well as in laboratories for the separation of different solutions.
So the above statement is true and the correct answer is option A.

Note:
Heterogeneous mixtures can also be separated through sedimentation of the mixture allowing the particles to settle down naturally under the action of gravity, but that would take ages to settle down completely.