Density Gradient

Density gradient refers to a gradual change in density within a substance or mixture, where parts of it become more or less dense as you move through it. Imagine a layered salad with ingredients that naturally separate based on their density—lighter ingredients like oil float atop denser ones like vinegar or water. In scientific contexts, density gradients are used to separate or analyze materials, such as in centrifugation, where spinning samples causes components to settle at specific levels depending on their density. This concept helps scientists understand and manipulate materials based on differences in their mass and compactness.