Question

What is the basic principle behind the cleansing action of soap?

Options

• Acid-Base neutralisation

• Emulsification

• Oxidation

• Precipitation

Answer 1

Emulsification

Explanation:

A soap molecule has two parts, a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a hydrophobic (water-hating/oil-loving) tail. When soap is applied, the hydrophobic tails surround the oily dirt, while the hydrophilic heads face outward towards water. This forms a structure called a micelle, which traps the dirt inside and allows it to be washed away with water, this process is called emulsification.