Question

The statement given below is incorrect. Write the correct statement.

The constituents of a compound can be separated by the processes of filtration and decantation.

Answer 1

The correct statement is - The insoluble constituents of a compound can be separated by the processes of filtration and decantation.

• Filtration is technically defined as the process of separating suspended solid matter from a liquid by passing the latter through the pores of a membrane known as a filter.
• Examples of filtration are a mixture of chalk and water, and a mixture of $\mathrm{AgCl}$ and water.
• Decantation is the process of separating the liquid portion of a mixture when the heavier component settles to 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, sand settles at the bottom of a container when a mixture of sand and water is allowed to stand The upper portion of the container contains water. This can be separated from the sand at the bottom simply by pouring it into a different container without the use of any other separating device. This is referred to as decantation.