A centrifuge is a machine that uses rapid spinning to separate substances of different densities. It works by creating a strong force that pushes heavier materials outward, allowing them to settle at the bottom of a container. This process is commonly used in laboratories to separate blood components, such as red blood cells from plasma. Centrifuges come in various sizes and types, including laboratory centrifuges and industrial centrifuges. They are essential in fields like biochemistry, medicine, and chemical engineering, where precise separation of materials is crucial for analysis and experimentation.