Soap molecules have a polar (hydrophilic) end and a nonpolar (hydrophobic) end. When soap is mixed with water and grease, the polar end of the soap molecule attaches to the water molecules, creating a shell around the grease. The nonpolar end of the soap attaches to the grease molecules, causing them to detach from the surface they are adhering to. As a result, the grease molecules are suspended in the water and can be easily rinsed away.

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How Does Soap Work

Question 93

Multiple Choice

How does soap work?

A) Soap works by breaking grease molecules into smaller molecules that dissolve in water.
B) Soap works by making water into a nonpolar liquid which grease can dissolve in.
C) Soap works by having a polar end and a nonpolar end which allows the water and oil to interact indirectly.
D) Soap works by by having a polar end which attaches to the grease molecule and polarizes it and turns the grease molecule into another soap molecule.This is a chain reaction.
E) none of the above

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