answersLogoWhite

0

Detergents are surfactants that reduce the surface tension of water by disrupting the hydrogen bonding between water molecules. This disruption allows the detergent molecules to form a layer at the water-air interface, which prevents the water molecules from forming strong hydrogen bonds with each other.

User Avatar

AnswerBot

1y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

Does density of water increase or decrease the surface tension of water?

The surface tension of water is due to cohesive forces between water molecules. Density does not directly affect surface tension, but impurities or additives can alter it. Essentially, the surface tension of water remains constant regardless of its density.


Is it correct to say that the addition of salts to water will always increase the surface tension of water?

Yes, the addition of salts to water typically increases the surface tension of water. This is because the salts disrupt the hydrogen bonding within water molecules, leading to stronger water-water interactions at the surface, which increases surface tension.


Is surface tension increases or decreases with increase in temperature?

Surface tension decreases with an increase in temperature. This is because as temperature increases, the kinetic energy of the water molecules also increases, which weakens the intermolecular forces responsible for surface tension.


What is the function of detergent?

Detergents help to remove dirt, grease, and stains from surfaces by breaking down the molecules that hold them together. They contain surfactants that lower the surface tension of water, allowing it to penetrate and lift away grime more effectively.


How do different materials dissolved in water affect the surface tension of the water?

what types of materials? Dish soap and vegetable oil, I know for a fact, don't dissolve and separate the hydrogen bonds, causing a weaker surface tension. Salt does little to nothing (according to my chem and bio teacher). Sorry if any of this is wrong or not what you wanted.

Related Questions

What is the effect of sodium chloride on the surface tension of water?

The surface tension of water is increased for salted water.Sodium chloride increase the surface tension of water.


Why does temperature of water lowers on adding glucose?

It will increase the surface tension of water hence temperature decreases. If you add phenol to water temperature increase as it decreases the surface tension.


Does density of water increase or decrease the surface tension of water?

The surface tension of water is due to cohesive forces between water molecules. Density does not directly affect surface tension, but impurities or additives can alter it. Essentially, the surface tension of water remains constant regardless of its density.


Is soap the only substance that can break the waters surface tension?

No, there are other substances that can break water's surface tension besides soap. Examples include detergent, alcohol, and vinegar. These substances are known as surfactants, which reduce the surface tension of water by interfering with the hydrogen bonding between water molecules.


Is there a way to increase the surface tension of water?

The surface tension of "pure" water against air at 20 degrees C is 72.75 dynes/cm. This increases with cooling and decreases with heating. Most inorganic solutes increase the surface tension of the solution when dissolved in water. Most mineral acids decrease the surface tension of the solution in water (sulfuric acid is the most obvious exception). Most organic compounds decrease the surface tension of the solution in water (organic acids and alcohols are often exceptions). It is important to note that we are talking about increasing and decreasing the surface tensions of solutions of these things in water with respect to distilled water. In order to change the surface tension of distilled water, just changing the temperature will suffice. PS : At 0 degrees Celsius, the surface tension of water is 75.6 dynes/cm, at 100 degrees it is only 58.9 dynes/cm.


Is it correct to say that the addition of salts to water will always increase the surface tension of water?

Yes, the addition of salts to water typically increases the surface tension of water. This is because the salts disrupt the hydrogen bonding within water molecules, leading to stronger water-water interactions at the surface, which increases surface tension.


Is surface tension increases or decreases with increase in temperature?

Surface tension decreases with an increase in temperature. This is because as temperature increases, the kinetic energy of the water molecules also increases, which weakens the intermolecular forces responsible for surface tension.


Why does detergent have the effect on making water molecules smaller?

Detergents work by lowering the surface tension of water, allowing it to spread and penetrate substances more effectively. This can create the appearance of smaller water droplets due to the reduced surface tension, which causes the water to break up into smaller pieces.


How remove stains from clothes?

Detergents work by binding with chemicals in the dirt and by reducing the surface tension of water, to allow it to penetrate the material and wash out the dirt.


What is the effect of pH on surface tension?

Surface tension typically decreases as the pH of a solution becomes more acidic or basic. This is due to changes in the concentration of ions at the liquid-air interface, which affects the attractive forces between molecules. In general, a change in pH can disrupt the hydrogen bonding between water molecules, leading to a decrease in surface tension.


Effect of impurities on surface tension of liqiud?

yes The presence of impurities either on the surface or dissolved in it, affect surface tension of the liquid. Highly soluble substances increase the surface tension of water, whereas sparingly soluble substances reduce the surface tension of water. The surface tension of a liquid decreases with increase in temperature. The surface tension of a liquid becomes zero at its boiling point and vanishes at critical temperature.


What is the function of detergent?

Detergents help to remove dirt, grease, and stains from surfaces by breaking down the molecules that hold them together. They contain surfactants that lower the surface tension of water, allowing it to penetrate and lift away grime more effectively.