Which technique separates components by density using high-speed spinning?

• A. Filtration
• B. Chromatography
• C. Centrifugation
• D. Sedimentation

Answer: (C)

Centrifugation uses high-speed spinning to separate components by density. When the sample spins in a rotor, a strong centrifugal force pushes particles outward. Denser or larger components experience a greater effective weight and sediment faster toward the bottom, forming a pellet, while lighter components stay in the liquid above (the supernatant). By changing the speed and duration, you can tailor the separation to different densities and sizes.

Filtration relies on a filter barrier to remove particles larger than the pore size, not on density differences or rapid spinning. Chromatography separates substances based on how they interact with a stationary phase and a moving phase, not primarily on density. Sedimentation uses gravity to settle particles slowly, not the rapid separation enabled by spinning.