What You Need to Know
The process relies on Stokes’ law, where the sedimentation velocity of particles is proportional to the square of the particle radius and the density difference between particle and liquid, and inversely proportional to the liquid’s dynamic viscosity. Temperature influences viscosity and thus sedimentation rate, while a density difference of at least 0.1 g/cm³ is required for efficient separation. The technique is purely physical, with no chemical transformation occurring.
The Science
Primary Reaction
sedimentation