How does detergent break surface tension?
Quick Answer
Detergent breaks surface tension by disrupting the bond between water molecules. This is because detergent has opposite polar heads on its molecules.
Continue Reading
Full Answer
The hydrogen and oxygen molecules in water form hydrogen bonds, which form a type of skin on the surface of the water. This skin is strong enough to support the weight of very light objects. That is why ants seem to walk on the surface of a body of water and why a needle carefully placed on top of the water will float.
According to the Nuffield Foundation, detergent molecules have a polar head on one edge that attracts water and a polar head on the other edge that repels water. These opposing heads interfere with the hydrogen bonds in the water molecules and weaken the strength of the skin on the surface, breaking the tension.
Learn more about Earth ScienceRelated Questions
-
Q:
What is the geothermal gradient?
A: The geothermal gradient is the gradual warming of layers of rock relative to their distance from the Earth's surface. The average geothermal gradient is an... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are surface waves?
A: A surface wave is a seismic wave that occurs at or near the surface of Earth. Surface waves tend to have much longer wavelengths and larger amplitudes comp... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What percent of the Earth is made up of water?
A: According to the U.S. Geological Survey, water makes up about 71 percent of the Earth's surface. About 96.5 percent of that water is in the oceans. Bodies ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How does the sun affect the Earth?
A: The sun provides the Earth with energy in the form of heat, which it uses to warm the Earth's surface, oceans and atmosphere. The heat energy found in the ... Full Answer >Filed Under:
