Question

Explain the cleansing process of the soap and detergent.

Answer 1

Cleansing effect of Soap and Detergent
$\bullet$ The cleansing action of soap and detergent is the same.
$\bullet$ There are two parts in the structure of soap and detergent.
$\bullet$ One part of a long hydrocarbon chain is known as the non-polar tail.
$\bullet$ The other negatively charged part $(-COONa$ or $S{O}_{3}Na)$ is known as the head.
$\bullet$ Soap or detergent on mixing with water form a concentrated solution and cause foaming.
$\bullet$ The non-polar part is attracted by the oily stain or dirt because it possesses attraction towards dirt.
$\bullet$ The polar part remains in water as it possesses attraction towards water.
$\bullet$ The spherical structure formed around the stain is called micelle.
$\bullet$ The hydrocarbon part remains attached with the surface containing dirt or oil, while the polar part remains in water.
$\bullet$ The part on which the detergent is applied is dragged by water so that the water gets dirty and the surface becomes clean.