Question:

Explain the mechanism of the cleaning action of soaps.

Updated On: Nov 7, 2023
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Solution and Explanation

Cleansing action of soaps: The dirt present on clothes is organic in nature and insoluble in water. Therefore, it cannot be removed by only washing with water. When soap is dissolved in water, its hydrophobic ends attach themselves to the dirt and remove it from the cloth. Then, the molecules of soap arrange themselves in micelle formation and trap the dirt at the center of the cluster. These micelles remain suspended in the water. Hence, the dust particles are easily rinsed away by water.

Cleansing action of soaps

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Top Questions on Chemical Properties Of Carbon Compounds

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Concepts Used:

Allotropes of Carbon

The existence of a chemical element in one or more physical forms happening in the same physical state is called Allotropes or allotropy. Allotropes may show different physical or chemical states turning on the atom arrangement or the number of existent atoms. While carbon and sulfur is the common element presenting allotropy. Carbon can make further allotropes due to its five-membered valency.

Read More: Allotropes of Carbon

Allotropes of Carbon:

Carbon is part of a p-block element

  • The atomic number of carbon = 6 
  • It belongs to group 14.
  • It makes up about 18.5% of the human body by mass.

Carbon has only two types of allotropes, such as;

  1. Crystalline
  2. Amorphous

The crystalline form of carbon consists of allotropes like;

  • Diamond
  • Graphite
  • Fullerenes

The amorphous form of carbon consists of allotropes like;

  • Coal
  • Coke
  • Wood charcoal
  • Animal charcoal
  • Lampblack
  • Gas carbon