Final answer:
Filtration and decantation are physical methods used to separate mixtures. Filtration passes a mixture through a medium that only allows the fluid to pass through, leaving behind the solid particles. Decantation separates a mixture by pouring off the top layer, leaving the denser liquid or solid at the bottom.
Step-by-step explanation:
Filtration and decantation are both physical methods used to separate mixtures.
Filtration is the process of separating solids from fluids (liquids or gases) by passing the mixture through a medium that only allows the fluid to pass through, leaving behind the solid particles. An example of filtration is when sand is separated from water by passing the mixture through a filter paper.
Decantation is the process of separating a mixture of liquids or a liquid and a solid by pouring off the top layer, which is the less dense or the more easily poured liquid, while leaving the denser or less easily poured liquid or solid at the bottom. An example of decantation is when oil is separated from water by pouring off the oil layer floating on top of the water.