Question

How do emulsifying agents stabilize the emulsion?

Answer 1

If a mixture of two immiscible or partially miscible liquids is shaken, a coarse dispersion of one liquid in the other is obtained which is called emulsion.

Emulsions of oil in water are unstable and sometimes they separate into two layers on standing. For stabilisation of an emulsion, a component called emulsifying agent is usually added.

The emulsifying agent forms an interfacial layer between suspended particles and the dispersion medium thereby helps in stabilising the emulsion.