How does the use of a detergent help to clean soiled clothes?

1.	How does the use of a detergent help to clean soiled clothes?
Answer» 1. A molecule of a detergent holds on to a water molecule at one end and an oil molecule at the other. 2. As a result the molecules of oil mix with the water. 3. This is how detergent acts on our soiled clothes. So detergent removes any oil or dirt sticking on to our clothes. 4. Due to the property of holding on to both oil and water, soap water spreads easily on many types of surfaces. 5. This property of spreading on a surface is called surface activity. 6. Detergents are surface active. 7. One effect of surface activity is lather formation.

Answer»

1. A molecule of a detergent holds on to a water molecule at one end and an oil molecule at the other.

2. As a result the molecules of oil mix with the water.

3. This is how detergent acts on our soiled clothes. So detergent removes any oil or dirt sticking on to our clothes.

4. Due to the property of holding on to both oil and water, soap water spreads easily on many types of surfaces.

5. This property of spreading on a surface is called surface activity.

6. Detergents are surface active.

7. One effect of surface activity is lather formation.

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