Question

Detergent

Hint:

The key difference between soap and detergent for exams is their performance in {hard water}. Soap forms scum, while detergents do not. This is their main chemical advantage.

Answer 1

A detergent is a synthetic cleansing agent that has cleaning properties similar to soap but is less affected by hard water. It is a type of surfactant.
Composition and Structure: A detergent molecule has a long hydrophobic (water-repelling, oil-attracting) tail and a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head.

How it Works: The hydrophobic tails attach to grease and dirt. Agitation breaks the grease into smaller droplets, which are surrounded by detergent molecules (forming micelles). These micelles remain suspended in water and are washed away.

Advantage over Soap: Unlike soap, which reacts with minerals in hard water to form insoluble scum, detergents are formulated to remain effective. This makes them superior for laundry and dishwashing in most water conditions.