Relative Centrifugal Force Calculator

RCF Formula:

\[ RCF = (RPM / 1000)^2 \times Radius \times 1118 \]

Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF):

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1. What is Relative Centrifugal Force?

Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF) is the measurement of the force applied to a sample within a centrifuge. This measurement is relative to the earth's gravity and is expressed in units of gravity (× g). RCF provides a standardized way to compare centrifugation protocols across different equipment.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the RCF equation:

\[ RCF = (RPM / 1000)^2 \times Radius \times 1118 \]

Where:

\( RPM \) — Rotations per minute (rev/min)
\( Radius \) — Rotor radius in millimeters (mm)
1118 — Conversion factor constant

Explanation: The equation calculates the relative centrifugal force by squaring the RPM (divided by 1000), multiplying by the radius, and then applying the conversion factor of 1118.

3. Importance of RCF Calculation

Details: Accurate RCF calculation is crucial for standardizing centrifugation protocols across different equipment, ensuring reproducible results in laboratory procedures, and maintaining sample integrity during separation processes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter RPM in revolutions per minute and radius in millimeters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use RCF instead of RPM?
A: RCF provides a standardized measurement that accounts for differences in centrifuge rotor sizes, allowing for consistent results across different equipment.

Q2: What is a typical RCF range for common centrifugations?
A: Typical RCF values range from a few hundred × g for gentle separations to over 20,000 × g for high-speed pelleting applications.

Q3: How do I measure rotor radius?
A: Rotor radius is measured from the center of the rotor to the bottom of the sample holder when it's in the horizontal position.

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This calculation assumes a uniform centrifugal field and may not account for complex rotor geometries or temperature effects on fluid density.

Q5: Can I convert RCF back to RPM?
A: Yes, the formula can be rearranged: \( RPM = 1000 \times \sqrt{RCF / (Radius \times 1118)} \)