Cleaning materials Flashcards
Describe the soap structure
The soap structure is made of a head and a tail. the head is made of oxygen atoms and is polar, this part dissolves in water so it is hydrophilic.
The tail is made of carbon and hydrogen atoms and is non-polar, this part dissolves in oil so it is hydrophobic
Describe how the soap molecule acts as an emulsifying agent
When grease or fat is mixed with the soap or water solution. The soap molecules work as a bridge between polar water molecules and non-polar oil molecules.
What is meant by the term emulsifying agent
An emulsifier is simply an additive that helps two liquids mix
Identify common cleaning materials
- Detergents
- Soap
- Sanitisers
Describe the process of preparing soap
Soap is made by the hydrolysis of fat using sodium hydroxide
What is the word equation for preparing soap
fat + sodium hydroxide ➡️ soap + glycerol
what is meant by the term hydrolysis
Breakdown of a compound by a chemical reaction with water
What is the impact of soap and detergents on the environment
Soap
Is biodegradable so it doesn’t cause pollution nor is harmful to the environment
Detergents
Is non-biodegradable so it pollutes the environment
Distinguish between biodegradable and non-biodegradable
biodegradable can be decomposed by bacteria and avoids polluting the environment while non-biodegradable cannot be decomposed by bacteria and pollutes the environment
What are the advantages of using soap and detergents
- Detergents avoid the formation of scum when used in hard water
- Soap helps wet skin to wash easily
- Soap helps clean and remove oil and dirt
What are the disadvantages of using soap and detergents?
- Detergents can cause pollution because they are non-biodegradable and they are more
- Detergents are more expensive than soap
- Soap forms scum when used in hard water
