1. What is Sedimentation Coefficient?

The Sedimentation Coefficient is defined as the ratio of a particle's sedimentation velocity to the applied acceleration causing the sedimentation. It's a fundamental parameter in centrifugation processes and particle analysis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the sedimentation coefficient formula:

Where:

• \( s \) — Sedimentation Coefficient (s)
• \( m \) — Mass of Particle (kg)
• \( \eta \) — Dynamic Viscosity (Pa·s)
• \( r_0 \) — Radius of Spherical Particle (m)
• \( \pi \) — Archimedes' constant (≈3.14159)

Explanation: This formula relates the sedimentation coefficient to the particle's mass, the fluid's viscosity, and the particle's radius, based on Stokes' law for spherical particles.

3. Importance of Sedimentation Coefficient

Details: The sedimentation coefficient is crucial in various scientific fields including biochemistry, biophysics, and materials science. It helps in determining particle size distribution, molecular weights, and in the separation of particles through centrifugation techniques.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms, dynamic viscosity in Pascal-seconds, and radius in meters. All values must be positive and non-zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units should I use for input values?
A: Mass should be in kilograms (kg), dynamic viscosity in Pascal-seconds (Pa·s), and radius in meters (m) for consistent results.

Q2: Can this formula be used for non-spherical particles?
A: This specific formula is derived for spherical particles. For non-spherical particles, additional shape factors need to be considered.

Q3: What is the typical range of sedimentation coefficients?
A: Sedimentation coefficients vary widely depending on the particle size and density, typically ranging from 10⁻¹³ to 10⁻⁸ seconds.

Q4: How does temperature affect the sedimentation coefficient?
A: Temperature affects dynamic viscosity, which directly influences the sedimentation coefficient. Higher temperatures generally decrease viscosity and increase sedimentation rates.

Q5: What are some practical applications of sedimentation coefficient measurements?
A: Applications include protein characterization, virus particle analysis, nanoparticle studies, and quality control in various industrial processes involving particle suspensions.