Question

the non-polar hydrocarbon group of a soap molecule_________.

Answer 1

fat + NaOH ---> glycerol + sodium salt of fatty acid

CH2-OOC-R - CH-OOC-R - CH2-OOC-R (fat) + 3 NaOH ( or KOH)

both heated --->

CH2-OH -CH-OH - CH2-OH (glycerol) + 3 R-CO2-Na (soap) R=(CH2)14CH3

                                                   -Hope this helps-