What laboratory equipment is commonly used for spinning samples at high speeds to separate components based on density?

A centrifuge is specifically designed to spin samples at high speeds, utilizing centrifugal force to separate components within a mixture based on their density. When a sample is placed in a centrifuge and spun, denser particles move outward to the bottom of the container, while less dense substances remain suspended or at the top. This process is vital in various fields, including biology and biochemistry, where it is used for tasks such as separating blood plasma from cells, isolating cellular components, or purifying proteins.

In contrast, a dropper bottle is used for dispensing liquids, an enamel pan serves primarily for heating and cooking applications, and a petri dish is used for culturing microorganisms or holding samples for observation. None of these alternatives have the capability to separate components in a mixture based on density through high-speed rotation, making the centrifuge the appropriate choice for this function.