Centrifuge Calculations RPM to G

RCF Formula:

\[ RCF = 1.118 \times 10^{-5} \times r \times RPM^2 \]

Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF):

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1. What is RCF (Relative Centrifugal Force)?

RCF (Relative Centrifugal Force), also known as g-force, is the measurement of the acceleration applied to a sample in a centrifuge. It represents how many times greater the force is compared to Earth's gravity and is crucial for standardizing centrifugation protocols across different equipment.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the RCF formula:

\[ RCF = 1.118 \times 10^{-5} \times r \times RPM^2 \]

Where:

\( RCF \) — Relative Centrifugal Force (g)
\( r \) — Radius from center of rotation to sample (cm)
\( RPM \) — Rotations per minute (rev/min)
\( 1.118 \times 10^{-5} \) — Conversion constant

Explanation: The formula converts rotational speed (RPM) to gravitational force (g-force) based on the centrifuge's radius, allowing for standardized protocol comparisons.

3. Importance of RCF Calculation

Details: Accurate RCF calculation ensures reproducible results across different centrifuges, proper sample separation, and adherence to experimental protocols. Using RPM alone can lead to inconsistent results due to varying rotor sizes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter radius in centimeters (measure from center to sample tube bottom) and RPM value. Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use RCF instead of RPM?
A: RCF provides standardized force measurement across different centrifuges, while RPM varies with rotor size. Protocols specifying RCF ensure consistent results.

Q2: How do I measure the radius accurately?
A: Measure from the center of the centrifuge rotor to the bottom of the sample tube when placed in the centrifuge.

Q3: What is a typical RCF range for common applications?
A: Routine blood separation: 1,000-2,000 g; Cell pelleting: 300-500 g; Ultracentrifugation: up to 100,000+ g.

Q4: Can I convert RCF back to RPM?
A: Yes, using the formula: \( RPM = \sqrt{\frac{RCF}{1.118 \times 10^{-5} \times r}} \)

Q5: Why is the conversion constant 1.118×10⁻⁵?
A: This constant incorporates gravitational acceleration (9.8 m/s²) and unit conversions from meters to centimeters and minutes to seconds.