Final answer:
Detergents are cleaning agents that contain surfactants to reduce surface tension, making it easier to remove dirt and grease. They are composed of compounds like alkylbenzene sulfonates, which work well in both soft and hard water.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cleaning agents that are used for different cleaning tasks and contain surfactants to reduce tension between the dirt and the surface being cleaned are detergents. Surfactants, which are surface-active agents, lower the surface tension of water, improving the wetness and spreading of the water and making it easier to remove dirt and grease. Detergents are typically composed of compounds such as alkylbenzene sulfonates, which are more soluble in hard water than soaps because their polar sulfonate groups do not bind as readily to calcium and other ions in hard water. This makes them effective cleaning agents in a variety of water qualities.
Detergents contain ingredients designed to absorb and emulsify soil, allowing it to be lifted away from surfaces when mixed with water. Some cleaning agents, besides surfactants, also include sequestering agents, solvents, and other additives to enhance cleaning performance.