Ultracentrifugation is a technique that uses very high rotational speeds, up to 80,000 rpm, to separate particles via centrifugal force up to 600,000g. There are two main types: analytical ultracentrifugation monitors particles in real-time to study molecular interactions and properties, while preparative ultracentrifugation isolates and purifies particles like organelles. Common techniques include differential centrifugation to separate organelles and density gradient centrifugation to separate mixtures based on density.