Coagulation and flocculation are processes used to destabilize and increase the size of suspended particles in water or wastewater so that they can be more easily removed. First, coagulants are added to neutralize particle charges and cause destabilization. Then flocculants are mixed in to encourage particle collisions and formation of larger flocs. Finally, sedimentation or other separation techniques are used to physically remove the settled flocs from the liquid. The goal is to treat water or wastewater by removing suspended solids through these chemical and physical steps.