Why are detergents better suited for hard water than soaps?
Detergents do not react with calcium and magnesium ions in hard water, so they do not form scum. This makes them more effective cleaners in areas with hard water.
What is a micelle, and how does it help in cleaning?
A micelle is a spherical structure formed by soap or detergent molecules, with hydrophobic tails trapping grease and hydrophilic heads interacting with water. This allows dirt to be washed away easily.
Why do soaps form scum in hard water?
In hard water, calcium and magnesium ions react with soap molecules to form an insoluble precipitate called scum, which reduces the soap's effectiveness.
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