Question

Alum increases the rate of sedimentation. Why?

Answer 1

Sedimentation -

Sedimentation is the process by which heavier impurities in a liquid, typically water, settle to the bottom of the container containing the mixture.

The use of alum is the rate of sedimentation -

• Alum commonly known as phitkari is a salt of Aluminium potassium sulphate.
• Water is directed to a 'loading tank' or ‘sedimentation tank’ along with Alum.
• Heavy dissolved alum particles settle on the suspended clay particles in water.
• The suspended clay particles in the water become 'loading' with alum particles, grow heavy, and settle at the tank's bottom.
• As a result, the loading procedure (using alum) removes the suspended clay particles from the water.