Cleansing action of soaps
Chemistry in Everyday Life · Chemistry
Molecule viewer
Interactive 3DBall-and-stick models with true bond angles — switch molecule to compare shapes.
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Study notes
How does soap remove greasy dirt? Trace the steps. Step 1: Soap's hydrophobic tails dissolve into the grease spot. Step 2: Hydrophilic heads face outward into water. Step 3: Agitation forms micelles — grease trapped inside, heads outward. Step 4: Micelles (water-soluble outside) rinse away — dirt leaves with water!