How does soap work?Group of answer choicespolar heads make it insoluble in waternon-polar tails make it solube in waterpolar heads dissolve oil and greaseNonpolar tails dissolve oil and grease PreviousNext
Question
How does soap work?Group of answer choicespolar heads make it insoluble in waternon-polar tails make it solube in waterpolar heads dissolve oil and greaseNonpolar tails dissolve oil and grease PreviousNext
Solution
Soap works due to its unique molecular structure. It is made up of molecules with two very different ends — one end of the molecule is attracted to water (hydrophilic) and the other end is repelled by water (hydrophobic).
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Polar heads make it insoluble in water: The polar heads of the soap molecules are hydrophilic, meaning they are attracted to water. This is why soap dissolves in water.
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Non-polar tails make it soluble in water: The non-polar tails of the soap molecules are hydrophobic, meaning they are repelled by water. However, they are attracted to the oils and greases on your skin or on dirty surfaces.
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Polar heads dissolve oil and grease: This is not entirely correct. The polar heads of the soap molecules do not dissolve oil and grease. Instead, they are attracted to water.
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Nonpolar tails dissolve oil and grease: This is correct. The nonpolar tails of the soap molecules are attracted to the oils and greases. When you wash your hands with soap, these tails 'grab' the oil and grease, breaking them up into tiny droplets. These droplets are then surrounded by the polar heads of the soap molecules, which allows the droplets to be washed away with water. This is how soap cleans.
Similar Questions
Why is soap mixed with water?A.The soap turns the water molecules into a nonpolar solvent.B.It covalently bonds to the water so it can be washed away.C.The soap becomes chemically active when mixed with water.D.Its polar end mixes with the water so it can be washed away.
what is a soap? explain the chemistry of soap
Describe in detail how a cleanser works (Hint: Describe in terms of micelles).
Choose the correct answer (A to D). Oil-soluble surfactantsQuestion 3Answera.None of the answers are correctb.Have a high HLB valuec.They can used to stabilise both oil-water and water-oil emulsions.d.They are always the main component in an oil-water emulsifying mixture
Choose the correct answer (A to D). Oil-soluble surfactantsQuestion 14Answera.They are always the main component in an oil-water emulsifying mixtureb.None of the answers are correctc.Have a high HLB valued.They can used to stabilise both oil-water and water-oil emulsions.
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