SONICATION Meaning and
Definition
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Sonication is a process that involves the use of sound waves or ultrasonic waves for a variety of purposes, such as sample preparation, mixing, emulsifying, dispersing, or particle size reduction. It is a technique employed in various scientific fields, particularly in chemistry, biology, and materials science.
In sonication, a sample is subjected to high-frequency sound waves, typically in the range of 20 kHz to several MHz, which cause rapid and intense vibrations. These vibrations generate alternate periods of compression and rarefaction, creating microscopic bubbles or cavitation in the sample.
The phenomenon of cavitation is crucial in sonication. During each cycle of expansion and contraction, the bubbles expand and then collapse violently, creating immense localized pressure and temperature conditions. This phenomenon exposes the sample to intense mechanical forces, resulting in the disruption of molecular interactions, shear forces, and intense heat, which contribute to various desired effects. For instance, sonication can be used to break down cell walls, facilitate chemical reactions, disperse or dissolve materials, create stable emulsions, or reduce the size of particles in a suspension.
Sonication devices, also known as ultrasonic homogenizers or sonicators, typically consist of a generator that converts electrical energy into sound waves, and a probe or horn that delivers the sound waves to the sample. The intensity and duration of sonication can be controlled to achieve the desired effect without causing excessive damage or degradation to the sample.
Common Misspellings for SONICATION
Etymology of SONICATION
The word "sonication" is derived from the prefix "soni-", which comes from the Latin word "sonus" meaning "sound", and the suffix "-ation", which is used to form nouns. Therefore, "sonication" essentially refers to a process or action related to sound. In scientific and laboratory contexts, sonication refers to the use of sound waves or ultrasound to agitate, mix, dissolve, or break down substances.
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