CBSE Class 10 Answered

Hi,

• The molecules of soap are sodium or potassium salts of long chain carboxylic acids.
• A soap molecule has a tadpole-shaped structure.
• At one end (long non-polar end) of the soap molecule is a hydrocarbon chain insoluble in water but soluble in oil.
• At the other end (short polar end) of the soap molecule, there is a carboxylate ion, which is hydrophilic, i.e. water soluble but insoluble in oil.
• Soap on mixing with water forms a concentrated solution and causes foaming.
• The long non-polar end of soap gravitates towards and surrounds the dirt and absorbs the dust in it.
• The short polar end with the carboxylate ion turns the water away from the dirt.
• A spherical aggregate of soap molecules is formed in the soap solution in water and is called a micelle.
• The soap molecule thus helps in dissolving the dirt in water and we can wash our clothes clean.

Answered by | 10 Mar, 2015, 06:57: PM