A centrifuge works by what process?

A centrifuge operates primarily on the principle of separation based on the density of components within a fluid. When a centrifuge spins, it generates a force that pushes heavier particles toward the bottom of the container, allowing for the effective separation of different components. In the context of blood or biological samples, this process results in the separation of cells from serum or plasma.

This method is crucial in laboratories for various applications, such as preparing samples for analysis, isolating specific components for further testing, or conducting experiments. The spinning action creates a gradient that helps distinguish between various cellular and liquid elements, leading to a clear stratification in the sample.

In this context, while heating, mixing, or preserving samples are processes that might be utilized in laboratory settings, they do not accurately describe the primary function of a centrifuge. The essential role of the centrifuge lies in its ability to separate cells from serum effectively, making option B the correct choice.