Question

Soap removes grease by:

• A. adsorption
• B. emulsification
• C. coagulation
• D. none of these

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

emulsification

Soap is an excellent cleanser because of its ability to act as an emulsifying agent. An emulsifier is capable of dispersing one liquid into another immiscible liquid. This means that while oil (which attracts dirt) doesn't naturally mix with water, soap can suspend oil/dirt in such a way that it can be removed.

Grease and oil are nonpolar and insoluble in water. When soap and soiling oils are mixed, the nonpolar hydrocarbon portion of the micelles breaks up the nonpolar oil molecules. A different type of micelle then forms, with nonpolar soiling molecules in the centre. Thus, grease and oil and the 'dirt' attached to them are caught inside the micelle and can be rinsed away.

Hence, the correct option is $\text{B}$