Have you ever wondered why using detergents or mixing soap and water tend to cause ripples in extreme liquidation within the solution itself? If the answer is yes, then you came to the right place. We will try to answer the question as to why and how the water tension in the surface is affected by all different kinds of soaps and detergents.
Soap reduces surface tension. This makes soap an effective cleaner which can go through the minute pores of the clothes with ease.
Defining the Terms
In order to answer this question fully, you must first understand what the word really means. The term Surface Tension is defined as the thin layer of force that holds water molecules together on the top. This bond between and among the water molecules exists because of the polarity of the two Hydrogen atoms and one Oxygen atom. (H2O)
Cohesion
This bond between water molecules is called Cohesion. It is strongest in a topmost layer because the molecules are closest to each other in this region. The magnetic force is weaker at lower water levels
Because they are magnetized together, they tend to attract each other so closely that they could not be broken apart easily. This strong attraction forms the thin layer of force on top of the water that gives rise to tension in the water surface.
However, if a significant amount of force is applied to this particular thin bond among the water molecules, cohesiveness will effectively be decreased. This will cause the objects on top to move apart or sink.
How Does the Soap or Detergent Break Surface Tension?
One of the best ways to break this protective layer in water is through the use and application of soap or any kind of detergent.
This works to break the tension because of the opposite polarities of the soap itself. One end attracts grease and grime when washing dishes, while the other end pushes the water molecules away.
When rinsing dishes without any grease the detergent used repels the water molecules away from each other preventing it from forming physical domes akin to the morning dew or droplets of water you usually see on leaves every morning.
On the other hand, this dual polarity in detergents allows for much more effective washing and cleaning of soiled dishes, clothes, and other home items that need to be rid of mold and dirt.
The Experiment
To further understand and explain this phenomenon, the subsequent paragraphs will discuss an experiment illustrating how tension in the water surface really works. If you want to learn more, please do not hesitate to continue reading.
Materials Needed
Here are some of the initial materials that you will need to conduct the experiment effectively.
- Bowl
- Pepper
- Toothpicks
- Soap
- Water
Steps to Follow
Initially, you would have to fill the bowl with water. Then place the toothpicks and sprinkle the peppers on top. Now, observe what happens. The pepper particles as well as the toothpicks tend to just stay on top of the water itself. Why is this so?
This is because the aforementioned solid objects tend to sit on top of the thin layer of force that holds the water molecules together.
Now, try to mix in a few drops of soap or detergent into the bowl of water. What happens? The objects on top of the water tend to scatter. Why does this happen? Unlike the water molecules, the soap molecules do not stick together. One end attracts the water molecules while the other end repels them causing the solid objects on top of the water to move along with the scattered molecules.
This polarity breaks the tension in the water’s surface effectively.
Is There Any Other Element That Could Break Surface Tension Effectively?
Now that you know how soap tends to break the phenomenon in question effectively, doesn’t it make you wonder if there are any other elements in the world that could do the same? The answer is yes. Merely touching the water mixture itself can break the cohesion and tension on the surface.
For example, if you place a needle on top of a glass filled with water, it will just sit there because of the tension in the water. However, if you push the needle down into the glass, the force exerted will effectively drop the object in question to the bottom of the glass.
This is because the strength of your fingers effectively disrupted the protective layer. Similarly, any solid object can break water molecule cohesiveness when utilized with sufficient power.
The same goes for camping tents. If you put it up and it rains, the aforementioned phenomenon keeps the droplets from seeping into the tent. However, if an external force is applied to the wet tent, the droplets of water will have a tendency to get inside and make your night in the woods extremely uncomfortable.
This is why you should not touch droplets of water on tents no matter how curious it makes you.
More Information: Adhesion
In connection with this, water molecules are not only attracted to each other because of cohesion. There also attracted to other types of molecules from other objects. This is why the water tends to be pulled into the soap on one end.
This is also the reason why water tends to take the shape of the container that it is in. Aside from those on the surface, the molecules under water tend to scatter to different directions within the container itself.
The strongest magnetic pull present in the container, apart from the surface, is in the walls. This is why water tends to be uneven at the surface when placed inside a container. Depending on the shape of the container, water will adhere to its walls which allow the element to take its physical form.
Final Words
These are just some of the major points that can help you understand why and how soap and other detergents tend to break Surface Tension in water. These are also the reasons why soaps along with pure water are considered to be one of the best cleaning agents that could be used in the home or any other establishments.
So do not forget to wash your hands with water and soap if you really want to be thorough. You will surely not regret this decision.