Decantation is a process used to separate mixtures, particularly liquids, based on differences in density. It involves carefully pouring the top layer of liquid from a container, leaving behind any sediment or heavier particles that have settled at the bottom. This technique is commonly used in laboratories and industries to purify liquids or separate components in a mixture. In everyday life, decantation can be seen when pouring wine from a bottle into a carafe. This allows any sediment to remain in the bottle while the clearer liquid is transferred. The process is simple yet effective for achieving separation without the need for complex equipment.