Question

In 500 × g, what does g represent in accordance to centrifugation?

(a) Gravitational force

(b) Centrifugal force is 500 times greater than earthly gravitational force

(c) Centrifugal force is 500 times less than earthly gravitational force

(d) Centrifugal force is 500 times same as that of earthly gravitational force

I have been asked this question at a job interview.

This question is from Centrifugation in division Unit Operations of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer 1

Right answer is (b) Centrifugal force is 500 times greater than earthly gravitational force

The best explanation: Centrifuge is any device that applies a sustained centrifugal force; that is, a force due to rotation. Effectively, the centrifuge substitutes a similar, stronger, force for that of gravity.

When a suspension is rotated at a certain speed or revolutions per minute (RPM), centrifugal force causes the particles to move radially away from the axis of rotation. The force on the particles (compared to gravity) is called Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF). For example, an RCF of 500 x g indicates that the centrifugal force is 500 times greater than earthly gravitational force.