Question

What is flocculation???​

Answer 1

IUPAC definition

Flocculation (in polymer science): When a sol is colloidally unstable (I.e., the rate of aggregation is not negligible) then the formation of aggregates is called flocculation or coagulation.[1]

Agglomeration (except in polymer science)

Coagulation (except in polymer science)

Flocculation (except in polymer science)

Process of contact and adhesion whereby dispersed molecules or particles are held together by weak physical interactions ultimately leading to phase separation by the formation of precipitates of larger than colloidal size.

Note 1: In contrast to aggregation, agglomeration is a reversible process.

Note 2: The definition proposed here is recommended for distinguishing

agglomeration from aggregation.

Note 3: Quotation from ref.[1][2]

Flocculation, in the field of chemistry, is a process in which colloids come out of suspension in the form of floc or flake, either spontaneously or due to the addition of a clarifying agent. The action differs from precipitation in that, prior to flocculation, colloids are merely suspended in a liquid and not actually dissolved in a solution. In the flocculated system, there is no formation of a cake, since all the flocs are in the suspension.

Coagulation and flocculation are important processes in water treatment with coagulation to destabilize particles through chemical reaction between coagulant and colloids, and flocculation to transport the destabilized particles that will cause collisions with floc.

Answer 2

Answer:

Coagulation is a chemical process used to neutralize charges and form a gelatinous mass to trap (or bridge) particles, thus forming a mass large enough to settle or be trapped in a filter.