This is because oil and grease are non-polar, which means they will not dissolve in the water. Soap can mix with both water and oil. The soap molecule has two different ends, one that is hydrophilic polar head that binds with water and the other that is hydrophobic non-polar hydrocarbon tail that binds with grease and oil. Since soap molecules have both properties of non-polar and polar molecules soap can act as an emulsifier.
An emulsifier is simply an additive that helps two liquids mix. When greasy dirt, fat, or oil is mixed with soapy water, the soap molecules arrange themselves into tiny clusters called micelles. The water-loving hydrophilic head of the soap molecules sticks to the water and points outwards, forming the outer surface of the micelle.
The oil-loving hydrophobic tail sticks to the oil and trap oil in the center where it can't come into contact with the water. With the oil trapped safely in the center, the micelle is soluble in water. As the soapy water is rinsed away the greasy dirt goes along with it.
Ever wonder why it is easier to clean dirty, greasy hands and other things in hot or warm water rather than cold water? It is because the fats and oils soften or melt in hot water, which allows them to attach more readily to the hydrophobic end of the soap molecule. In turn, that makes it easier to rinse away. Soap is a natural surfactant. How does soap make you clean? What is saponification? What kinds of substances do you need to make soap?
Wonder What's Next? Try It Out Are you ready to learn more about the cleaning powers of soap? Be sure to explore the following activities with a friend or family member: Know the best way to test out the cleaning powers of soap?
Use it! First, you'll need to get your hands a bit dirty. You could always go out and pick up some dirt, but we suggest you do something a bit more helpful. Ask a friend or family member if there's an outdoor chore you can help with. Perhaps you could pull weeds or help to put a plant into a bigger pot.
Whatever you do, don't worry about getting your hands dirty. That's a good thing today! When you're done with your chore and have hands that are in need of a good cleaning, head to the sink and grab a bar of soap. Turn on the water and lather up. Pay close attention to the soap you're using. What does it feel like? Does it smell good? Does it make a lot of bubbles? How quickly does it get your hands clean? Have fun putting what you learned today to good, hands-on use!
Take a field trip with an adult to a local grocery store. Find the aisle with the bars of soap and spend some time learning about the wide variety of soaps available today. How do the different soap manufacturers try to differentiate their products? Are all of the soaps available in bar form? What's the most unique soap you can find? What's special about it? If you can, purchase a few different types of soaps to try at home. Perhaps you'll find a new favorite! Feeling a bit crafty?
Make your own Handmade Soaps at home with just a few simple supplies and the help of an adult. Be sure to read through the directions thoroughly and then head to the store to get any supplies you might need.
Be as creative as you can be. Display your homemade soaps at home for others to see and use. Friends and family members may want you to make some homemade soap for them. You never know when your homemade soap-making skills might turn into a lucrative side business! Did you get it? Test your knowledge.
Wonder Words grime atom soap dirt derived repels unique molecule sodium particle hydroxide alkali hydrophobic hydrophilic surrounded beeline effective potassium Take the Wonder Word Challenge. Join the Discussion. TTYL Mar 13, Soap breaks up the oil into smaller drops, which can mix with the water. It works because soap is made up of molecules with two very different ends. One end of soap molecules love water - they are hydrophilic.
The other end of soap molecues hate water - they are hydrophobic. Hydrophobic ends of soap molecule all attach to the oil. Hydrophilic ends stick out into the water.
This causes a drop of oil to form:. These drops of oil are suspended in the water. This is how soap cleans your hands - it causes drops of grease and dirt to be pulled off your hands and suspended in water. These drops are washed away when you rinse your hands.
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