Question

Soap removes grease by
(a). Adsorption
(b). Emulsification
(c). Coagulation
(d). None of these

Answer 1

Hint: This is the process in which two normally immiscible substances are stabilized by another substance, called an emulsifier.

Complete step by step answer:
Soap is an excellent cleanser because of its ability to act as an emulsifying agent. An emulsifier is capable of dispersing one liquid into another immiscible liquid. This means that while oil (which attracts dirt) doesn't naturally mix with water, soap can suspend oil/dirt in such a way that it can be removed.

Grease and oil are nonpolar and insoluble in water. When soap and soiling oils are mixed, the nonpolar hydrocarbon portion of the micelles breaks up the non-polar oil molecules. A different type of micelle then forms, with non-polar soiling molecules in the centre. Thus, grease and the oil ‘dirt’ attached to them are caught inside the micelle and can be rinsed away.

Therefore, the correct option is (b) Emulsification.

Additional information:
There are two types of emulsions
(a). Oil in water emulsions (O/W)
(b). Water in Oil emulsions (W/O)
Soap is water in oil type emulsions.

Note: It should be noted that the process of removal of grease is not an adsorption process. Adsorption is the process of accumulation of solid, liquid or gas molecules to the top surface of material.