Question

Rama was observing her mother washing the clothes. She added the detergent and washed the clothes. Rab asked her teacher how the detergent removes all stains so easily. Her teacher replied with information that helped in the removal of dirt.

a) Detergent breaks down the chemical bonds in stains.
b) Detergent reduces surface tension, allowing water to penetrate stains.
c) Detergent forms micelles to encapsulate and lift away dirt.
d) All of the above

Answer 1

Detergents are amphiphilic, capable of bridging water and oily substances. They reduce surface tension, encapsulate soils in micelles, and allow the grime to be washed away, achieving effective cleaning.

Step-by-step explanation:

Detergents are amphiphilic substances with both hydrophobic (non-polar) and hydrophilic (polar) ends. The hydrophobic ends attract and interact with nonpolar dirt and oil particles, and the hydrophilic ends are attracted to water. This dual nature allows detergents to act as a bridge between water and oily substances. When detergent is added to water, it lowers the water's surface tension and enhances wetting. The detergent surrounds the oil or grease, forming micelles, which encapsulate the dirt and allow it to be washed away.

Additionally, detergents are classified as surfactants, which means they help absorb and emulsify soil into water and reduce surface tension, making it easier for water to penetrate into stains and lift away grime. This process transforms dirt into colloidal particles that do not stick to surfaces anymore and can be rinsed away. Therefore, the statement that detergent reduces surface tension, allows water to penetrate stains, and forms micelles to encapsulate and lift away dirt is accurate and encapsulates how detergents facilitate cleaning.