Explain the mechanism of cleansing action of soaps and detergents.
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Soap in its various forms is simply a wetting agent or surfactant. Other forms of soap exist not just the solid fat based ones we are familiar with. Liquid soaps have a diferent chemical composition but the same function.
Many plant leaves have the capacity for saponification or wetting surfaces. Gardeners also use surface wetting agents to wet the plant to get fungicides to stick to the surface.
Mostly we use soap to wet surfaces so that dirt or other contamination can be removed because it becomes wet and detaches.
One action of soap as a wetting agent is to emulsify oil or fat so it can mix with water. This is most useful in washing greasy dishes or pots and pans or getting grease out of clothes. While emulsified the fat does not cling to surfaces so dishes and glass come out clean and non greasy.
On body surfaces natural body oils are emulsified by soaps or detergents. People with dry skin usually have less natural oil on the skin so washing with soap or shampoo can further dry out their skin.
Many plant leaves have the capacity for saponification or wetting surfaces. Gardeners also use surface wetting agents to wet the plant to get fungicides to stick to the surface.
Mostly we use soap to wet surfaces so that dirt or other contamination can be removed because it becomes wet and detaches.
One action of soap as a wetting agent is to emulsify oil or fat so it can mix with water. This is most useful in washing greasy dishes or pots and pans or getting grease out of clothes. While emulsified the fat does not cling to surfaces so dishes and glass come out clean and non greasy.
On body surfaces natural body oils are emulsified by soaps or detergents. People with dry skin usually have less natural oil on the skin so washing with soap or shampoo can further dry out their skin.
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Explanation:
When soap is added to an oily or greasy part of cloth, the hydrocarbon part of soap dissolves in oil, keeping the head away from the oil. Big molecules of oil and soap break by rubbing into small emulsified oil droplets in water, which are washed away by stream of water.
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