Gravitatiefiltratie

Gravitatiefiltratie, also known as gravity filtration, is a simple and widely used laboratory technique for separating a solid from a liquid using the force of gravity. This method is particularly effective when the solid particles are relatively large and do not easily clog the filter medium.

The process involves pouring a mixture containing a solid and a liquid into a funnel lined with filter paper. The filter paper, which has small pores, allows the liquid (the filtrate) to pass through while retaining the solid (the residue). The funnel is typically placed over a receiving vessel, such as a flask or beaker, to collect the liquid. Gravity pulls the liquid down through the filter paper, while the solid particles are caught on top.

Gravitatiefiltratie is a common technique in chemistry and biology labs for tasks such as collecting precipitates, purifying solutions, or preparing samples for further analysis. It is a slow process, especially if the solid is fine or if there is a large volume of liquid. For faster filtration or when dealing with very fine solids, vacuum filtration or pressure filtration may be employed. Despite its simplicity, gravitatiefiltratie is a fundamental separation method that requires careful technique to ensure efficient separation and minimal loss of material. The choice of filter paper depends on the size of the solid particles to be retained.