why do soap and other detergents show surface active properties?

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why do soap and other detergents show surface active properties?

2007-03-16 15:50:46 · 2 answers · asked by sikhism4life88 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry

2 answers

I think the main reason that soaps work is because they consist of a polar segment and a non polar segment. That is, one part of the soap molecule can mix well with water and other polar materials, and the other part can mix well with non polar materials such as grease or oil. That way the soap can break up particles of dirt and loosen them so that they can be lifted away and washed off the object you are trying to clean.

2007-03-16 23:50:46 · answer #1 · answered by matt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋

Because they are petroleum based?

2007-03-16 15:54:15 · answer #2 · answered by Pen 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋