Final answer:
Decantation is the method of gently pouring a liquid from a solid so as not to disturb the sediment. It is often used in chemistry to separate substances and is distinct from filtration, which involves a filter medium.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of separating a liquid from a solid without disturbing the sediment is called decantation. This method involves gently pouring the liquid off the top of the mixture, allowing the solid to remain settled at the bottom. It is a common technique used in preparative chemistry to recover a desired product from a reaction mixture by transferring it into another liquid in which it is more soluble, often using a separatory funnel. Unlike filtration, where the liquid passes through a filter leaving the solid behind, decantation relies on gravity and careful pouring to achieve separation.
Sedimentation is another related process, where the heavier particles in a suspension settle out over time. An example of sedimentation is observed in determining the sedimentation rate of blood cells for medical diagnostics. It's important to note that decantation and sedimentation can be part of a broader filtration process, but they specifically refer to separation techniques that rely on gravity and the natural settling of solids.