Asked by knmk

When applied to a dish, soap makes grease soluble in water. Which explanation correctly supports the role of intermolecular forces in this common observation?
The nonpolar end of a soap molecule attaches itself to grease.
The nonpolar end of a soap molecule attaches itself to water.
The polar soap molecule attaches itself to the dish.
The polar soap molecule attaches itself to a nonpolar soap molecule.

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
The correct choice is: "The nonpolar end of a soap molecule attaches itself to grease."

Explanation: Soap molecules are amphiphilic — a nonpolar hydrocarbon tail and a polar (often ionic) head. The nonpolar tail interacts with grease (nonpolar) via London dispersion (van der Waals) forces, while the polar head interacts with water (ion–dipole/hydrogen bonding). This forms micelles that surround and solubilize grease so it can be rinsed away.