Question

What centrifugal force is, and think why a molecule with higher mass/density would sediment faster?

Answer 1

Part 1: Definition of centrifugal force
Centrifugal force is the tendency of an object to travel away from the center of the circle that is moving in a circular motion. It always acts away from the axis i.e in the opposite direction.

Part 2: Formula for centrifugal force It is calculated by the formula,
F= mw2r
F= Centrifugal force
m= mass
w= angular velocity
r = distance from the axis

Part 3: Conclusion
As per the formula for centrifugal force, angular velocity and mass are inversely proportional to each other. Thus a higher density molecule will sediment faster in centrifugation.