Question

A substance which dissolves grease and oil is preferred as a drain-cleaner.
A) Glycerin
B) Sodium hydroxide
C) Hydrogen peroxide
D) None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: We must have to know that the surfactants contain both hydrophilic, water-loving components, and hydrophobic, or water hating, components that work together to help place oils in suspension, allowing them to be pulled away from the part and into the solution. The water molecules are attracted to the hydrophilic components of the surfactant

Complete answer:
Before starting this question we must know the chemistry behind surfactant. The insoluble materials, the oils & greases, are attracted to the hydrophobic components of the surfactant. So as the hydrophobic end attaches to the soils, the hydrophilic end is being pulled by the water which causes the tension necessary to ultimately pull the soil off of the surface of the part. So we look at all the options to answer this question.
Option A) this option is incorrect as glycerin is not used in dissolving oil and grease.
Option B) this is a correct option as sodium hydroxide is used in dissolving grease and oil is preferred as a drain-cleaner as sodium hydroxide converts oils and grease into soap which can then be dissolved in water so as to clog the pipes which is then used as drain cleaner.
Option C) this is an incorrect option.
Option D) this is an incorrect option.

Note:
We must have to remember that the sodium hydroxide is used to neutralize acids and as a source of sodium ions for reactions that produce other sodium compounds. In petroleum refining it is used to neutralize and remove acids. A micelle is formed of hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts.