Question

Why does micelle formation take place when soap is added to water? Why is soap ineffective for washing in hard water?

Answer 1

As we know that soap has a polar and a non-polar end. The polar end is attracted towards water whereas the non-polar end is attracted towards hydrocarbons since, the dirt is organic the non-polar ends form a cluster and attach themselves to the dirt and the cluster formation containing the dirt is called micelle. Soap is inefficient in hard water because it produces organic salts without lather.

Answer 2

When soap is added to water, micelle formation takes place, this is because the hydrocarbon chains of soap molecules are hydrophobic while the ionic ends are hydrophilic and hence soluble in water. ... It will form in such type of solvent where soap is insoluble in that particular solvent