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Detergents are substances that while water soluble have a strong affinity for oils. As such these compounds are able to bind to oils and bring them into solution (emlusifiers).

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17y ago
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6mo ago

Detergents act as cleaning agents by lowering the surface tension of water, making it easier to remove dirt and grease from surfaces. The hydrophobic (water-repelling) end of the detergent binds to dirt and oil, while the hydrophilic (water-attracting) end allows them to be washed away with water. This helps to emulsify and disperse soils, allowing them to be rinsed away.

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Q: How do detergents act as cleaning agents?
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