Question

Explain the difference between filtration and decantation (see the "general laboratory equipment and procedures" section of this manual). why might one want to use filtration in this experiment rather than decantation?

Answer 1

Decantation and filtration are both methods of separating mixtures. Decantation is the process of separating the liquid phase of a mixture from the solid precipitate, by pouring very carefully the liquid away. Filtration is the process of passing the entire liquid through a filter, where the solid precipitate will be trapped in the filter. Someone would need to use filtration if he wanted to filtrate the entire quantity of the solution. Also if the solid phase of the solution was not a steady sediment and dispersed in the entire liquid phase.

Answer 2

Filtration:

It is the direct separation of the entire solution with the help of a filter, where the solid particles are trapped on the filter and liquids passes away.

Decantation:

It is the process of pouring the liquids away from a precipitated solid, keeping the solid in the original container.

In the experiment mentioned above, filtration will be more effective so that all the solid particles and solvents are filtered out and pure liquid if separated.