Question

Detergents are better than soaps. Justify.

Why detergents are better cleansing agents than soaps? Explain.

Answer 1

Detergents are sodium salts of sulphonic acids or ammonium salts with chlorides or bromide ions etc. Detergents have long hydrocarbon chains. The charged ends of these compounds do not form insoluble precipitates with the calcium and magnesium ions in hard water but soap reacts with calcium and magnesium ions present in the hard water to form insoluble substance called scum. Thus, detergents are better cleansing agents than soaps, they remain effective even in hard water. Detergents are usually used to make shampoos and products for cleaning clothes.