How does soap affect hydrogen bonds between water molecules

Subject : Science

Question:

How does soap affect hydrogen bonds between water molecules?

Expert Verified Solution:

Soap disrupts hydrogen bonds between water molecules.

Description: Soap affects hydrogen bonds between water molecules by reducing the surface tension of water. Water molecules are held together by strong hydrogen bonds, which create a high surface tension. When soap is added, it interferes with these hydrogen bonds because soap molecules have a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail and a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head. The soap molecules arrange themselves at the water’s surface with their hydrophobic tails sticking out, which disrupts the cohesive hydrogen bonds between water molecules. This reduction in surface tension allows water to spread more easily and improves its ability to penetrate and clean surfaces by breaking up oils and grease, which can be trapped in the hydrophobic tails of the soap molecules.