Question

While washing dirty clothes by soap, micelles are formed. Select the correct statement about micelles.

Options

• The hydrophobic tail of the soap molecule is in the interior of the cluster, whereas hydrophilic end is on the surface of the cluster.

• The hydrophobic tail is on the surface of the cluster, whereas hydrophilic end is in the interior of cluster.

• Both hydrophobic tail and hydrophilic end are in the interior of the cluster.

• Both hydrophobic tail and hydrophilic end are on the surface of the cluster.

Answer 1

The hydrophobic tail of the soap molecule is in the interior of the cluster, whereas hydrophilic end is on the surface of the cluster.

Explanation:

In a micelle, the hydrophobic tails (hydrocarbon chains) cluster in the interior to avoid contact with water and trap oily dirt. Meanwhile, the hydrophilic heads (ionic ends) face outward on the surface to interact with the water. This arrangement makes the oily dirt water-soluble, so it can be washed away.