Question

Micelle formation takes place when soap is added to water? Will micelle be formed in other solvents like ethanol also?
A) True
B) False

Answer 1

Hint: We know that soaps are made up of hydrophilic end and hydrophobic end. The formation of micelle occurs because the hydrocarbon chains of soap are hydrophobic and the ionic ends are hydrophilic. Thus, micelle is soluble in water.

 Complete step by step answer:
We know that soap molecules have two ends. One end of the soap molecule is hydrophilic while the other end is hydrophobic.
When soap is dissolved in water, the soap molecules arrange themselves in a typical manner which is known as micelle.
Micelles are spherical structures in which the hydrophilic end is on the outer side of the sphere and the hydrophobic end is on the inner side of the sphere. The hydrocarbon chains of soap are hydrophobic and the ionic ends are hydrophilic.
Micelle formation occurs when soap is added to water. Micelle are formed around oil, grease, dirt molecules. Soaps in the form of micelle clean dirt which is collected in the centre of micelle.
Micelle formation does not take place in ethanol. This is because the hydrocarbon chain of soap is soluble in alcohol. And thus, micelle does not form.
Thus, micelle formation takes place when soap is added to water but not in ethanol.
Thus, the statement ‘micelle formation takes place when soap is added to water, will micelle be formed in other solvents like ethanol also’ is false.
Thus, the correct option is (B) false.

 Note: Do not confuse between hydrophobic and hydrophilic end of soap. Remember that the hydrocarbon group of soap is responsible for the formation of micelle. Hydrophilic means water loving and hydrophobic means water hating.