Explain the cleansing process of the soap and detergent.
Cleansing effect of Soap and Detergent
∙ The cleansing action of soap and detergent is the same.
∙ There are two parts in the structure of soap and detergent.
∙ One part of a long hydrocarbon chain is known as the non-polar tail.
∙ The other negatively charged part (−COONa or SO3Na) is known as the head.
∙ Soap or detergent on mixing with water form a concentrated solution and cause foaming.
∙ The non-polar part is attracted by the oily stain or dirt because it possesses attraction towards dirt.
∙ The polar part remains in water as it possesses attraction towards water.
∙ The spherical structure formed around the stain is called micelle.
∙ The hydrocarbon part remains attached with the surface containing dirt or oil, while the polar part remains in water.
∙ The part on which the detergent is applied is dragged by water so that the water gets dirty and the surface becomes clean.