Chapter 21, Problem 40A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The way micelle suspends greasy dirt in a solution is to be explained.

Concept Introduction: Micelles are lipid molecules that form a circular arrangement around an oil particle.

Explanation of Solution

Micelles are made up of a mixture of amphiphilic molecules. These structures consist of a hydrophilic / polar region (head) and a hydrophobic / non-polar region (tail). Micelles are made up of a liquid solution where the polar region faces the outer surface of the micelle and the non-polar region directed towards the oil particles at the center.

Micelles are compound particles dispersed or dissolved in a liquid colloid. Micelles remains in solution as a colloid and will not undergo degradation due to ion-ion attraction. Therefore, oil or grease particles suspended in micelles are also easily washed away.