How does detergent reduce the surface tension of water?

Subject: How does detergent reduce the surface tension of water?

Date: Thu May 4 20:27:46 2000
Posted by John Grimes
Grade level: 10-12 School: Coombabah State High School
City: Gold Coast State/Province: Queensland Country: Australia
Area of science: Chemistry
ID: 957490066.Ch

Message:


What I do know is that detergent is a compound that can reduce the surface 
tension of water, allowing it to more effectively wash dishes, etc. But how 
does the detergent molecule do this? Why does the water wash dishes more 
effectively when it has a lower surface tension?

Re: How does detergent reduce the surface tension of water?

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