What process involves separating solids from fluids by allowing only the fluid to pass through a filtering medium?

The process that involves separating solids from fluids by allowing only the fluid to pass through a filtering medium is known as filtration. This method is commonly used in a variety of scientific and industrial applications to purify liquids or to separate particles.

During filtration, a mixture containing a solid and a liquid (the fluid) is poured through a filter, which can be made from materials such as paper, cloth, or specialized membranes. The filter allows the liquid to flow through, while the solid particles are trapped on the surface or within the pores of the filtering medium. This is particularly effective for separating mixtures where the solid is suspended within the liquid, ensuring that the clean fluid can be collected for further use or analysis.

In contrast, the other processes involve different mechanisms: evaporation refers to the conversion of liquid into vapor, sublimation is the transition of a substance directly from solid to gas without becoming liquid, and adsorption involves the adhesion of molecules onto a surface rather than separating different phases. Therefore, filtration is uniquely suited for the task of separating solids from liquids in the way described.