Sedimentation Coefficient Formula:
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The Sedimentation Coefficient is defined as the ratio of a particle's sedimentation velocity to the applied acceleration causing the sedimentation. It is a measure of how quickly a particle settles in a fluid under centrifugal force.
The calculator uses the sedimentation coefficient formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how quickly particles settle in a centrifugal field based on their size, sedimentation velocity, and the angular velocity of the centrifuge.
Details: The sedimentation coefficient is crucial in various scientific fields including biochemistry, biophysics, and materials science. It helps characterize particles, determine molecular weights, and study particle interactions in suspensions.
Tips: Enter sedimentation speed in m/s, radius of spherical particle in meters, and angular velocity in rad/s. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What are typical units for sedimentation coefficient?
A: The sedimentation coefficient is typically measured in Svedberg units (S), where 1 S = 10-13 seconds.
Q2: How does particle size affect sedimentation coefficient?
A: Larger particles generally have higher sedimentation coefficients as they settle more quickly under centrifugal force.
Q3: What factors influence sedimentation speed?
A: Sedimentation speed depends on particle size, density difference between particle and fluid, fluid viscosity, and centrifugal force.
Q4: Can this formula be used for non-spherical particles?
A: The formula is specifically derived for spherical particles. For non-spherical particles, additional correction factors are needed.
Q5: What is the relationship between angular velocity and sedimentation?
A: Higher angular velocities create greater centrifugal forces, resulting in faster sedimentation rates for particles.