Which of the following properties does soap, an emulsifier, have that make it useful for washing dirt off one’s handswith water?
A.
Soap’s dual polar and nonpolar nature helps bond oil and water
B.
Soap’s acidity causes grime to precipitate into the water
C.
Soap’s enzymatic action helps to dissolve grime into small particles
D.
Soap’s rough texture physically scours grime off surfaces
The correct answer is:
A. Soap’s dual polar and nonpolar nature helps bond oil and water
Explanation: Soap is an emulsifier, which means it has a molecule structure with both a hydrophilic (polar) and a hydrophobic (nonpolar) end. The hydrophobic end of the soap molecule binds to oils and grease, while the hydrophilic end binds to water. This dual nature allows soap to effectively break down and emulsify oils and dirt so they can be rinsed away with water.
- B. Soap’s acidity is not the primary mechanism for cleaning. Soap’s role is more about emulsification rather than acidity.
- C. Soap does not have enzymatic action. Enzymes are biological molecules that break down substances, but soap’s action is based on its molecular structure and not enzymatic processes.
- D. Soap’s effectiveness does not rely on physical abrasion but rather on its chemical properties as an emulsifier.