Question

Differentiate between the terms sedimentation and decantation with a suitable experimental technique.

Answer 1

Sedimentation and decantation are two very different terms. Sedimentation is defined as the process of settling down of the heavier components present in a mixture.

For example: When the mixture of sand in water is allowed to stand undisturbed for some time, it is observed that sand settles at the bottom.

Decantation is defined as the process of separating the liquid portion of a mixture when the heavier component settles at the bottom as sediments. In other words, it is the process of transferring a liquid from one container to another without disturbing the sediments that are present at its bottom.

For example: When a mixture of sand and water is allowed to stand, sand settles at the bottom of a container since it is heavier. Water is present in the upper portion of the container. This can be separated from sand settled at the bottom simply by pouring in a different container without using any other separating device. This is known as decantation.