What is the name of the process used to separate substances based on their physical or chemical properties?

The process of filtration is specifically designed to separate substances based on their physical properties, such as size. In filtration, a mixture of solid and liquid is poured through a filter, which allows the liquid to pass through while trapping the solid particles. This method is widely used in various scientific applications, including water purification, laboratory experiments, and even in cooking to separate solid food from liquids.

While other options might seem relevant in certain contexts, they refer to distinct processes. Evaporation involves transitioning a liquid to a gas state and is not specifically a separation method for solids and liquids. Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, which does not serve as a separation technique. Precipitation refers to the formation of a solid in a solution, often as a result of a chemical reaction, but it does not involve a physical separation method. Thus, filtration stands out as the most direct method to separate mixtures based on physical characteristics.