Question

What happens when an emulsion is centrifuged?

Answer 1

Hint- In order to solve the given problem we will understand different topics first. We will first understand what is an emulsion further we will understand the process of centrifugation and with the help of an example we will understand what happens to the emulsion when it is centrifuged.

Complete answer:

An emulsion is a type of colloid produced by mixing two liquids which do not usually mix together. Each liquid holds the other liquid spread in an emulsion.
Some common examples of emulsions include egg yolk, butter, and mayonnaise. Mixing of two immiscible liquids to form an emulsion is generally known as emulsification
Centrifugation is a method used to distinguish particles from a solution by their scale, shape, density, and medium - and rotor speed viscosity. In a liquid medium the particles are suspended and placed in a centrifuge tube. Then the tube is put in a rotor and rotated at a speed definite.
If an emulsion undergoes centrifugal force, the liquid revolutions occur at very high velocities. It allows the two liquids to demulsify or split. The less dense liquid or the lighter liquid will stand at the top and the heavier or denser liquid will sit down.
For instance an emulsion is a mixture of oil and water. The oil and water must split when undergoing centrifugation and the water must stay split at the bottom and the oil will float on top. During the centrifugation cycle, the creamy layer of the phospho-lipids that are segregated will be present between the oily and aqueous phases.

Note- An emulsion comprises tiny particles dangling from one substance in another. Stable emulsions may be produced by the use of an emulsifier from two immiscible liquids. For many large chemical industries emulsions are widely used. These are used in the pharmaceutical industry to make medical goods more palatable, to enhance potency by monitoring the dosage of active ingredients and to provide better aesthetics for topical drugs such as ointments.