Question

Explain the following: Synthetic detergents are better than soaps.

Answer 1

Detergents are the substances that enhances the cleasing action of water.The advantage of using the detergents is that they give foam in both soft as well as in hard water.This is due to the fact that sulphonic acids and their calcium and magnesium salts are soluble in water but in case of soaps which are sodium or potassium salts of long chain fatty acids cannot be used in hard water,as the calcium and magnesium ions present in hard water form insoluble Ca and Mg soaps respectively.These insoluble soaps separates as scum in water and hence a part of soap is wasted and creates hinderance in washing.

Answer 2

detergents have higher cleansing action than soaps
the work in hard as well as soft water whereas soap does not work in hard water