Vetinerary Assistant Practice Exam

What is the primary function of a centrifuge in a laboratory setting?

1. To mix different solutions

2. To heat substances quickly

3. To separate substances of different densities

4. To measure the volume of liquids

The correct answer is: To separate substances of different densities

The primary function of a centrifuge in a laboratory setting is to separate substances of different densities. This separation is achieved through the process of centrifugal force, which occurs when the centrifuge spins samples at high speeds. As the machine rotates, denser materials move outward and settle at the bottom of the container, while less dense materials remain suspended or rise to the top. This property is essential for various laboratory applications, such as separating blood components, isolating cellular components, and purifying solutions. In contrast, the other functions attributed to mixing solutions, heating substances, or measuring liquid volumes are not the primary roles of a centrifuge. Mixing would typically require a different device, like a mixer or vortexer. Heating may involve equipment such as a water bath or hot plate, and measuring liquid volumes is typically done with calibrated measuring tools, like pipettes or graduated cylinders. Hence, focusing on the separation of substances based on density highlights the unique and important utility of a centrifuge in laboratory operations.