How do detergents work based on surface chemistry?

Here’s a explanation:

---

How Detergents Work (Surface Chemistry)

1. Structure of Detergent Molecules:
   • Hydrophobic tail: Avoids water, attaches to grease or oil.
   • Hydrophilic head: Likes water, interacts with water molecules.
2. Formation of Micelles:
   • When detergent is added to water, molecules cluster into micelles.
   • Oil/dirt is trapped inside the micelle.
3. Cleaning Action:
   • The hydrophilic heads allow the micelles to stay suspended in water.
   • When rinsed, the micelles carry dirt away, cleaning the surface.

---

Key Idea from Surface Chemistry:

• Detergents reduce surface tension of water.
• This allows water to spread and penetrate dirt more easily.
• Micelles form because of surface interactions at the oil-water interface.

---

Example:

• Washing clothes, dishes, and removing grease.

---

Simple tip:

• Detergents → hydrophobic tail grabs dirt → hydrophilic head interacts with water → dirt washed away

---