Question

centrifuges are commonly used in biological laboratories for the isolation and maintenance of cell preparations. suppose a centrifuge rotates with constant angular acceleration. describe the radial acceleration component of one of the blood samples that is located near the rim of the centrifuge. multiple choice the radial acceleration points away from the center of the centrifuge and its magnitude is constantly changing. the radial acceleration is zero. the radial acceleration points toward the center of the centrifuge and its magnitude is constant. the radial acceleration points towards the center of the centrifuge and its magnitude is constantly changing.

Explanation:

1. Radial (centripetal) acceleration in circular motion is always directed toward the center.
2. The centrifuge has constant angular acceleration, so angular velocity \( \omega \) changes. Radial acceleration \( a_r = r\omega^2 \), and since \( \omega \) changes, \( a_r \)'s magnitude changes.

Answer:

The radial acceleration points towards the center of the centrifuge and its magnitude is constantly changing.