Here’s a explanation:
Surfactants
- Definition: Surfactants are molecules that reduce the surface tension of a liquid and help mix liquids that normally don’t mix (like oil and water).
- Structure:
- Hydrophobic tail: Avoids water, attaches to oil or grease.
- Hydrophilic head: Likes water, interacts with water molecules.
How Surfactants Work
- Reduce Surface Tension:
- Surfactants make water spread and wet surfaces more easily.
- Form Micelles:
- Hydrophobic tails trap oil, grease, or dirt inside.
- Hydrophilic heads face outward, keeping dirt suspended in water.
- Cleaning Action:
- Dirt/oil is carried away with water when rinsed.
Examples:
- Soaps, detergents, shampoos, toothpaste
Simple tip:
- Surfactants → hydrophobic tail grabs dirt → hydrophilic head interacts with water → dirt washed away