Chemistry In Focus
Chemistry In Focus
7th Edition
ISBN: 9781337399692
Author: Tro, Nivaldo J.
Publisher: Cengage Learning,
bartleby

Concept explainers

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 15, Problem 3E
Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for the fact that soaps and detergents are called surfactants is to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

 Surface tension is the tendency of a fluid surface due to which it obtains the least surface area. Surface tension refers to the tendency of a fluid surface which makes it acquire the least possible surface area. At liquid-air interfaces, surface tension results from the greater attraction of liquid molecules to each other (cohesion) than to the molecules in the air (adhesion).

 A surfactant is used to decrease the surface tension in various phenomena. Because of surface tension, surfactants are called surface-active agents. Surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension (or interfacial tension) between two liquids, between a gas and a liquid, or between a liquid and a solid. Surfactants may act as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, and dispersants.

Blurred answer
Students have asked these similar questions
What is the difference between soaps and detergent?
Why is foaming important in shampoos?
What is the difference between the molecules of soaps and detergents, chemically? Explain the cleansing action of soups
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Chemistry
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Chemistry In Focus
Chemistry
ISBN:9781337399692
Author:Tro, Nivaldo J.
Publisher:Cengage Learning,
Text book image
Chemistry for Today: General, Organic, and Bioche...
Chemistry
ISBN:9781305960060
Author:Spencer L. Seager, Michael R. Slabaugh, Maren S. Hansen
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Introductory Chemistry For Today
Chemistry
ISBN:9781285644561
Author:Seager
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Chemistry: The Molecular Science
Chemistry
ISBN:9781285199047
Author:John W. Moore, Conrad L. Stanitski
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Chemistry: Matter and Change
Chemistry
ISBN:9780078746376
Author:Dinah Zike, Laurel Dingrando, Nicholas Hainen, Cheryl Wistrom
Publisher:Glencoe/McGraw-Hill School Pub Co
Text book image
World of Chemistry, 3rd edition
Chemistry
ISBN:9781133109655
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan L. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Brooks / Cole / Cengage Learning