RPM to RCF Calculator

Formula of RPM to RCF Calculator

The fundamental formula for converting RPM to RCF is as follows:

RCF = (RPM² × 1.118 × 10^-5) × r

where:

RCF – relative centrifugal force (in multiples of g)
RPM – revolutions per minute
r – radius of the rotor (in centimeters)

Important Points

Ensure the radius (r) is in centimeters (cm) for the formula to work correctly.
Some resources use a slightly different constant (1.12 x 10^-5) instead of 1.118 x 10^-5. The difference is minimal and doesn’t significantly affect results for most purposes.

General Terms Table

Term	Definition
RPM	Revolutions per minute, a measure of the speed of the centrifuge rotor
RCF	Relative centrifugal force, the effective force exerted on a sample within a centrifuge
g	The acceleration due to gravity, used as a reference for RCF

Example of RPM to RCF Calculator

Consider a scenario where you have a centrifuge rotor with a radius of 10 cm spinning at 3,000 RPM. Using the formula provided, you can calculate the RCF as follows:

RCF = (3000² × 1.118 × 10^-5) × 10 = 1,007 g

This calculation shows that the sample experiences forces over a thousand times the force of gravity, illustrating the power of centrifugation in laboratory settings.

What is the difference between RPM and RCF?

RPM measures the speed of the centrifuge rotor in revolutions per minute, while RCF describes the force exerted on the samples within the centrifuge, relative to the force of gravity.

Why is it important to convert RPM to RCF?

Converting RPM to RCF ensures that laboratory protocols are consistent and that experiments can be accurately replicated, as RCF provides a more precise measure of the forces acting on samples.

Can I use the same RPM for different centrifuge rotors?

No, because the RCF is dependent on the radius of the rotor. Even if two rotors spin at the same RPM, they can produce different RCF values. It’s crucial to calculate the RCF for each rotor to ensure accurate and consistent results.