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How do filtration systems typically function?
By heating the water
By increasing the pressure
By trapping particles in tiny pore spaces of filter media
By adding chemicals to the water
The correct answer is: By trapping particles in tiny pore spaces of filter media
Filtration systems primarily function by trapping particles within the tiny pore spaces of filter media. This process involves passing water through a material designed to catch and hold contaminants, such as dirt, sediment, and some microorganisms. The effectiveness of a filtration system is largely determined by the size and arrangement of the pores in the filter media—smaller pores can capture smaller particles while larger ones may allow them to pass through. The other methods mentioned, while applicable in different water treatment processes, do not pertain to the core function of filtration. For example, heating water would be relevant in disinfection processes, and increasing pressure can facilitate processes like reverse osmosis but doesn't define filtration itself. Similarly, adding chemicals pertains to water treatment methods such as coagulation or disinfection rather than filtration, which relies on physical separation rather than chemical interaction.