what is supernate
Precipitation in chemistry refers to the creation of a solid within a solution or within another solid during the process of diffusion. During this process, the solid formed is known as the precipitate. What causes the solid to form is known as the precipitant, and the supernate or supernatant is the area above the precipitate. A powder can also be derived from this process, and it is known as a flower.
The supernatant is the clear liquid that lies above the solid residue after centrifugation, precipitation, crystallization or settling. The liquid is normally free of precipitate and has a lower density.