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2010-07-24

Cleansing Agents – SPM 2008

p21

Diagram shows the apparatus used to investigate how to remove an oily stain from a cloth and the observation made from that investigation.

(i) Compare and explain the effectiveness of the cleaning action between

  • experiment I and III
  • experiment II and IV.

(ii) identify the cleaning agents, A and B. State which cleaning   agent is more effective.

Suggested answer

(i)    Experiment I and III

  • Both the cleaning agents A and B are effective in soft water. Soft water does not consist of calcium and magnesium ions.
  • Both dissolves in soft water.
  • They are able to lower the surface tension of water. The water wets the surface of the cloth thoroughly.

         Experiment II and IV

  • Cleaning agent A is not effective in hard water. Hard water consists of calcium and magnesium ions.
  • These ions react with the cleaning agent A to form an insoluble precipitate (scum). Formation of scum reduces the number of cleaning agent A molecules available for cleaning.
  • Cleaning agent B is effective both in soft water and hard water.
  • Cleaning agent B does not form precipitate (scum) in hard water.  Cleaning agent B form soluble salt in hard water. The cleaning agent B molecules are available for cleaning.

(ii) Cleaning agent A is soap; Cleaning agent B is detergent.

Detergent is more effective than soap.

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