answersLogoWhite

0

Do you know the phrase " Like dissolves like "? it means that polar substances dissolve other polar substances, and non-polar substances dissolve non-polar substances. Oil is non-polar, while water is a polar substance. To help oil and water mix, molecules of a detergent have two halves- the hydrophilic half and the hydrophobic half. The hydrophilic part of the molecule is polar, which dissolves water molecules. The hydrophobic part is non-polar, so it dissolves the oil molecules. So, basically, detergent can dissolve both oil and water, mixing them effectively.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

Why does nt water and oil mix?

Water and oil does not mix because water is molecule and oil is made of hydrocarbon chains. Only molecule substances can mix with molecule solutes.


Why does cooking oil firm clumps in water but dissolves in detergent?

Cooking oil forms clumps in water because it is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water and does not mix well with it. In contrast, when mixed with detergent, the oil dissolves because detergents contain molecules with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties. The hydrophilic part interacts with water, while the hydrophobic part interacts with the oil, allowing the two substances to mix more effectively. This process helps break down the oil into smaller droplets, making it easier to disperse in water.


What is the liquid that doesn't mix with oil?

Water is a liquid that does not mix with oil due to differences in polarity and molecular structure. The molecules in water are polar, while the molecules in oil are nonpolar, causing them to repel each other rather than mix.


Why doesn't oil mix with anything?

While we know that oil will not mix with water, it is not accurate to say that oil will not mix with anything. Water is what is called a polar solvent, and oil is a nonpolar molecule. That's why the two don't mix. But there are a large number of nonpolar solvents that will mix with oil, and these include many organic solvents.


Can you mix citronella with water?

Yes, you can mix citronella oil with water to create a natural insect repellent spray. However, citronella oil is not water-soluble so you will need to shake the mixture well before each use to ensure the oil is evenly distributed. Additionally, it's recommended to use a carrier oil or alcohol to help emulsify the citronella oil in water.

Related Questions

Can you get oil and water to mix?

You can do this by stirring or agitating the oil and water together with soap or detergent. Different oils, soaps and detergents will work more or less efficiently.


What do detergents do to a mixture of oil and water?

They cause them to mix. The detergent particles have an oil-soluble end which sticks into the oil, and a water soluble end which is attracted to the water. When enough detergent particles surround an oil droplet, it will move off into the water.


How does dish detergent work?

The reason why dish detergent work is because the have a ingredient called surfactants. Surfactants are an active ingredient in dish detergents they help oil and water mix. After the oil and water mix the oil based food grease becomes surrounded by water droplets and carried away giving you clean dishes. The reason why dish detergent work is because the have a ingredient called surfactants. Surfactants are an active ingredient in dish detergents they help oil and water mix. After the oil and water mix the oil based food grease becomes surrounded by water droplets and carried away giving you clean dishes. this is a lame answer and needs to be revised


Does detergent dissolve in water?

Yes, detergent dissolves in water. Detergents are designed to be water-soluble so that they can effectively mix with water to remove dirt, oil, and grease from surfaces.


Can you mix water with oil?

No we cannot mix water with oil.


Does water and oil mix with dish washing detergent?

Dish washing detergent can help water and oil mix because it has surfactants that bind to both water and oil molecules, allowing them to mix together. This helps to lift grease and oil off dishes during the washing process.


What is the definition between the oil mix to water?

Oil will not mix with water.


How can you get oil and water to mix?

Oil and water are immiscible, meaning they do not mix together to form a homogeneous solution. However, you can create an emulsion by adding an emulsifier, such as egg yolk or mustard, which helps to stabilize the mixture of oil and water. By vigorously mixing the emulsifier with the oil and water, you can temporarily suspend small droplets of oil in the water, creating a temporary mixture.


In an oil spill why does the oil not mix with the sea water?

Oil does not mix with water, not even salty sea water.


What can not mix with water?

Oil can't mix with water.


What can mix with water?

Oil can't mix with water.


Oil and water mixing?

no oil and water do not mix