Sedimentation is the process where solid particles in a liquid settle to the bottom over time due to gravity. It happens because the particles are too heavy to stay suspended in the liquid.
For example, in muddy water, the dirt and sand sink, leaving clearer water at the top.
In GCSE Chemistry, sedimentation is used to:
Separate mixtures of solids and liquids
Remove solid impurities in water treatment
Prepare mixtures for further steps like filtration or decanting
It helps students understand how density and particle size affect separation techniques in real-world applications.
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