In the context of filtration, filtrate and residue refer to two distinct components that result from the process of separating a solid from a liquid. Understanding these terms is essential for grasping how filtration works.
Filtrate is the liquid that passes through the filter. During the filtration process, a mixture, often made up of solid particles suspended in a liquid, is poured through a filter paper or membrane. The filter allows the liquid to pass through while trapping the solid particles. Therefore, the filtrate is essentially the clear liquid that comes out on the other side of the filter.
On the other hand, residue refers to the solid material that remains on the filter after the filtration process is complete. This residue consists of the particles that have been separated from the liquid and are unable to pass through the filter. It is what you physically see remaining on the filtering medium once the liquid has been removed.
In summary, the key difference is that filtrate is the liquid collected after filtration, whereas residue is the solid material left behind on the filter. This distinction is important in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and environmental science, where filtration is commonly used for purifying substances or analyzing mixtures.