Final answer:
A centrifuge is used to separate particles from a suspension by spinning the mixture at high speeds, resulting in components of different densities being separated.
Step-by-step explanation:
The laboratory equipment used to separate particles from a suspension is known as a centrifuge. This device operates by spinning containers holding mixtures at high speeds, which generates centripetal acceleration. As a result, the components of different densities within the suspension are separated.
For instance, in a medical laboratory, centrifuges are essential for separating blood cells from plasma, or in molecular biology for isolating DNA from cell lysates. Furthermore, because samples can differ significantly in volume, there are a variety of centrifuge types, each designed for specific applications and sample sizes.
Another method used in laboratories for separating substances is filtration. This technique is employed for separating solid substances from fluids (liquids or gases) through a filter, allowing only the fluid to pass while retaining the solid particles. This process is useful for purifying a liquid by removing unwanted solid impurities or for collecting solid substances from a solution.