why might the surface tension of water keep your clothes from becoming clean?

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why might the surface tension of water keep your clothes from becoming clean?

this is in chemistry.

2007-02-07 12:25:53 · 3 answers · asked by Asaria H 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry

3 answers

Surface tension can prevent the solvent (water) from getting into small places.

2007-02-07 12:29:42 · answer #1 · answered by Automation Wizard 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋

Surface tension means that the surface of the water is stickier to itself than to most of what it encounters. Detergents are "wetting agents" that allow the water to penetrate irregular surfaces and mobilize grime in order to lift away dirt.

2007-02-07 20:30:34 · answer #2 · answered by Jerry P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋

Hi. Without a surfactant to break down the surface tension, grease (think body oils) would not be attracted to water.

2007-02-07 20:29:47 · answer #3 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋