Why oil spills in aqueous environment spread so quickly?
Answer»
Water molecules are polar and akanes are nonpolar. The insolubility of alkanes in water makes them a good water repellent for metals which protects the metal surface from corrosion.
Because of their lower density than water they tòrm two layers and occupies the top layer. The density difference between alkanes and water explains why oil spills in aqueous environment spread so quickly.