Final answer:
Coagulation is synonymous with flocculation in the process of drinking water purification. It involves adding chemicals to water to make particles bind together and form larger particles called floc. Filtration then removes small particles from the water.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the process of drinking water purification, coagulation is synonymous with flocculation.
Coagulation and flocculation are the first steps in water treatment. Chemicals with a positive charge are added to the water, neutralizing the negative charge of dirt and other particles. This causes the particles to bind together and form larger particles called floc.
After coagulation/flocculation, the water moves to sedimentation tanks where the floc particles settle to the bottom. The clear water then undergoes filtration to remove small particles before disinfection and storage.