Detergents clean surfaces on the principle of A. viscosity B. surface tension C. elasticity D. floatation

viscosity
surface tension
elasticity
floatation

Detergents clean surfaces on the principle of surface tension. Surface tension is the tendency of a liquid surface to shrink into the smallest possible area. This is due to the attraction between the molecules of the liquid. When a detergent is added to water, it lowers the surface tension of the water. This allows the detergent molecules to more easily penetrate the surface of the dirt or grime on the surface to be cleaned. The detergent molecules then surround the dirt or grime and lift it away from the surface. The dirt or grime is then rinsed away with water.

  • Viscosity is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow. A fluid with high viscosity is thick and flows slowly, while a fluid with low viscosity is thin and flows quickly. Detergents do not affect the viscosity of water.
  • Elasticity is the ability of a material to return to its original shape after being deformed. Detergents do not affect the elasticity of water.
  • Floatation is the ability of an object to float on a liquid. Detergents do not affect the floatation of objects.