High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Sedimentation Potential occurs when dispersed particles move under the influence of either gravity or centrifugationin a medium. This motion disrupts the equilibrium symmetry of the particle`s double layer. Within the double layer, the viscous flow around the diffuse layer cause the particles drags ions away from the particles, which causes a slight displacement between the surface charge and the electric charge of the diffuse layer. As a result, the moving particle gains dipole moment. These dipole moments generate an electric field which is called sedimentation potential. It can be measured with an open electrical circuit, which is also called sedimentation current.