What is the process of separating solids from liquids by passing a mixture through a filter medium?

The process of separating solids from liquids by passing a mixture through a filter medium is known as filtration. Filtration utilizes a barrier that allows the liquid to pass through while capturing the solid particles. This method is effective for separating an insoluble solid from a liquid solution, such as when filtering coffee grounds from brewed coffee or when separating sand from water.

In filtration, the filter medium can be made of various materials, such as paper, cloth, or specialized membranes, depending on the size of the particles being filtered and the nature of the fluids involved. The process relies on the difference in particle size and the physical nature of the filter, enabling the solids to be retained while the liquid flows through.

Other methods listed, such as distillation, evaporation, and centrifugation, serve different purposes and involve distinct processes. Distillation separates components based on their boiling points, evaporation removes a liquid by turning it into a gas, and centrifugation separates substances based on their density by spinning them at high speeds. Each method is effective for specific types of mixtures and desired outcomes, but none directly describes the separation of solids from liquids through a filter medium like filtration does.