What is the Difference Between Decantation and Filtration?

Decantation and filtration are both methods used to separate impurities from liquids, but they have different processes and applications. Here are the main differences between the two:

Decantation:

• Involves pouring away a liquid from solid impurities that have settled at the bottom of the container.
• Separates insoluble solid particles from a liquid or two immiscible liquids.
• Cannot separate solids or liquids that dissolve in the mixture.
• Examples include mud in water, grease on top of soup, liquid from mustard, and a mixture of oil and water.
• Advantages: relatively easy process, can be performed manually, and easily separates insoluble sediments or immiscible liquids.
• Disadvantages: cannot separate solids or liquids that dissolve in the mixture.

Filtration:

• Involves direct separation of the entire solution through a filter, where the solid is trapped by the filter allowing the liquid to pass through.
• Cannot be used to separate two liquids.
• Separates two components via filtering off one component.
• Requires a filter paper or another suitable filter for the separation process.
• More accurate method compared to decantation.

In summary, decantation is a process of separating insoluble solids or immiscible liquids from a liquid by pouring off the liquid, while filtration uses a filter to separate one component from the other. Decantation is less accurate and cannot separate dissolved solids or liquids, whereas filtration is more accurate and can separate one component from a mixture.

Comparative Table: Decantation vs Filtration

The main difference between decantation and filtration is the method used to separate components in a mixture. Here is a comparison table outlining the key differences between the two techniques:

Both decantation and filtration are used to separate components in a liquid-solid mixture or a mixture of immiscible liquids under the force of gravity. Decantation is a simpler and less precise method that involves pouring off the liquid component, leaving the solid or the other liquid behind. On the other hand, filtration is more controlled and accurate, as it uses a filter paper or another suitable filter to separate the components.