A soap molecule has two structurally different ends. (i) Name each end and identify the part of the molecule…

Question

A soap molecule has two structurally different ends. (i) Name each end and identify the part of the molecule responsible for its character. (ii) How does each end interact differently with water and oily substances?

Accepted Answer

## Model Answer (i) **Hydrophilic end** (ionic/carboxylate end) and **Hydrophobic end** (long hydrocarbon chain tail). (ii) The hydrophilic (ionic) end interacts with water; the hydrophobic (hydrocarbon) end interacts with oily substances. *Source: Chapter 4, Section 4.5 Soaps and Detergents* --- ## Explanation Though this is a 1-mark question, it has two parts (i) and (ii), so keep each part to one short phrase. Examiners look for the two key terms — **hydrophilic** and **hydrophobic** — and the correct pairing: ionic end ↔ water, hydrocarbon tail ↔ oil. Don't write full paragraphs; two compact lines are enough.

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