What term describes solid particles that can settle out of a solution in water systems?

The term "precipitate" refers specifically to solid particles that form and can settle out of a solution within water systems. This process typically occurs during a chemical reaction when certain dissolved substances reach a point of saturation, leading to the formation of solid materials that aggregate and fall to the bottom of the container or body of water. Precipitation is an important aspect in many water treatment and purification processes, as it allows for the removal of undesirable substances from the water, ensuring that the final product is safer and more suitable for use.

In contrast, turbidity describes the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by large numbers of individual particles that are generally suspended within the solution, rather than settled out. Filtrate is the liquid that has passed through a filter, indicating that impurities or solid particles have been removed, but it does not inherently refer to particles that settle. Contaminants refer to undesired substances in water, which could include precipitates, but are not limited to solid particles; they can also encompass dissolved substances or pathogens. Thus, the term that most accurately captures the idea of solid particles that settle from a solution is indeed precipitate.