A centrifuge is an instrument that spins at high speeds to separate materials based on their size or density. This is done by creating a centrifugal force that causes the heavier particles to move towards the outer edge of the spinning container, while the lighter particles remain closer to the center. This separation allows for the isolation of specific components or the removal of unwanted substances. Centrifuges are commonly used in various scientific and medical fields, such as biology, chemistry, and clinical laboratories, for tasks such as separating blood components, purifying DNA, or isolating specific cell types.