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Detergents work by lowering the surface tension of water, allowing it to spread and penetrate substances more effectively. This can create the appearance of smaller water droplets due to the reduced surface tension, which causes the water to break up into smaller pieces.

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Q: Why does detergent have the effect on making water molecules smaller?
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How does dish detergent break oil?

Dish detergent contains surfactant molecules that have both a hydrophobic (water-repellent) and hydrophilic (water-attracting) end. The hydrophobic end attaches to the oil molecules, while the hydrophilic end allows the oil to be surrounded by water. This process breaks down the oil into smaller droplets, making it easier to wash away.


Why does a curry stain turn red when it is washed with a detergent?

The red color comes from the dye molecules in the curry that are water-soluble. When washed with detergent, these dye molecules are released from the fabric and become more visible, making the stain appear red. The detergent helps break down the bonds between the dye molecules and the fabric, allowing them to easily wash away.


What happens when you add dish detergent to water?

When you add dish detergent to water, the detergent molecules create a barrier between the water molecules and the surface tension is reduced. This allows the water to more easily spread and penetrate dirt or grease, making it easier to clean.


Which laxative acts by a detergent-like effect?

Docusate sodium, also known as Colace, acts by a detergent-like effect to soften the stool by helping water and fats penetrate into the stool, making it easier to pass.


What happens when you mix laundry detergent and water?

When you mix laundry detergent and water, the detergent molecules attach to dirt and oil particles, breaking them up and making them easier to wash away. This process is known as emulsification, where the detergent helps to lift and suspend dirt in the water to be rinsed away.

Related questions

How does dish detergent break oil?

Dish detergent contains surfactant molecules that have both a hydrophobic (water-repellent) and hydrophilic (water-attracting) end. The hydrophobic end attaches to the oil molecules, while the hydrophilic end allows the oil to be surrounded by water. This process breaks down the oil into smaller droplets, making it easier to wash away.


When liquid is added to a solution of a detergent in water the detergent breaks up large globules of the lipid into much smaller globues what effect do you think a detergent would up large globules o?

Adding a detergent to a solution with large globules of lipids helps break them down into smaller globules due to the detergent's ability to lower surface tension. This allows the lipids to disperse more evenly in the solution, improving their solubility and making it easier to wash away dirt and grime from surfaces.


What is the effect of detergent on the surface tension?

Detergent reduces the surface tension of water by breaking the hydrogen bonds between water molecules. This allows the water to spread and penetrate surfaces more easily, making it an effective cleaning agent.


Why does a curry stain turn red when it is washed with a detergent?

The red color comes from the dye molecules in the curry that are water-soluble. When washed with detergent, these dye molecules are released from the fabric and become more visible, making the stain appear red. The detergent helps break down the bonds between the dye molecules and the fabric, allowing them to easily wash away.


What happens when you add dish detergent to water?

When you add dish detergent to water, the detergent molecules create a barrier between the water molecules and the surface tension is reduced. This allows the water to more easily spread and penetrate dirt or grease, making it easier to clean.


Which laxative acts by a detergent-like effect?

Docusate sodium, also known as Colace, acts by a detergent-like effect to soften the stool by helping water and fats penetrate into the stool, making it easier to pass.


What effect does different strengths of detergent have on bubble making?

Different detergent strengths will create different bubble strengths. This will also help increase the size of the bubbles that are created with the mixture.


What happens when you mix laundry detergent and water?

When you mix laundry detergent and water, the detergent molecules attach to dirt and oil particles, breaking them up and making them easier to wash away. This process is known as emulsification, where the detergent helps to lift and suspend dirt in the water to be rinsed away.


Why do detergents make bubbles?

Detergents contain surfactant molecules that have a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail. This structure allows the detergent molecules to lower the surface tension of water, making it easier for air to be trapped and form bubbles. When detergent molecules surround air pockets in water, the bubbles are stabilized by the surfactant molecules, creating a foam or lather.


What do Atoms combine with molecules to make?

That's not really a answerable question because when atoms combine with other molecules you are just making bigger molecules or a smaller ones. You're not making any specific substances.


What is an anionic detergent?

An anionic detergent is a type of detergent with a negatively charged hydrophilic (water-attracting) head group. This structure allows it to interact with water molecules and help break down oil and grease, making it effective for cleaning purposes. Common examples of anionic detergents include sulfates and sulfonates.


Why is changing dodecane into smaller molecules useful?

Changing dodecane into smaller molecules is useful for several reasons. Smaller molecules are often more reactive and easier to manipulate in chemical reactions, making them valuable intermediates for producing a variety of products such as fuels, solvents, and chemicals. Additionally, smaller molecules have lower boiling points and are easier to transport and store. The process of breaking down dodecane into smaller molecules can also help improve the overall efficiency and sustainability of the chemical industry.