How does the addition of a surfactant affect the surface tension of water?

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Question: How does the addition of a surfactant affect the surface tension of water?

Options:

Correct Answer: Decreases surface tension

Solution:

Surfactants lower the surface tension of water by disrupting the cohesive forces between water molecules.

How does the addition of a surfactant affect the surface tension of water?

How does the addition of a surfactant affect the surface tension of water?

Step 1: Understand that water molecules are attracted to each other due to cohesive forces, which create surface tension.
Step 2: Know that a surfactant is a substance that can mix with both water and oils, and it has a special structure with a hydrophilic (water-attracting) part and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) part.
Step 3: When a surfactant is added to water, its molecules position themselves at the surface of the water.
Step 4: The hydrophilic part of the surfactant interacts with water, while the hydrophobic part tries to avoid water, disrupting the cohesive forces between water molecules.
Step 5: As a result of this disruption, the surface tension of water decreases, making it easier for the water to spread and mix with other substances.

Surfactants and Surface Tension – Surfactants are compounds that reduce the surface tension of liquids by interfering with the cohesive forces between molecules.