Question

In the process of cleaning, soap functions by
(a) changing hard water into soft water
(b) reducing oily and greasy dirt into colloidal particles
(c) converting the dirt to lather and water soluble particles
(d) increasing the cleansing properties of water

• A. (a) and (d)
• B. (b) only
• C. (c) only
• D. (d) only

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

The soap molecules composed of long chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms, form micelles in water and perform cleansing action as follows: As we know soap has a hydrophobic (water repellent) and hydrophilic (water attractive) part, so when the soaps are dissolved in water, the hydrophilic end is attracted by water and faces outwards while the hydrophobic tail is repelled by water and faces inwards.

Option: (b) is correct