Micelles are stabilized in water by interactions of nonpolar molecules with each other.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Micelles are formed by surfactant molecules, which have a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail. In water, these molecules aggregate so that the hydrophobic tails are shielded from the water and the hydrophilic heads face outward, forming a spherical structure called a micelle. This is possible because the nonpolar tails interact with each other, leading to a thermodynamically stable structure.

Micelles Are Stabilized in Water by Interactions of Nonpolar Molecules