Briefly explain how soap and detergents work.

Soap and detergents work by breaking down the surface tension of water, allowing it to more easily penetrate and lift away dirt, grease, and other substances from surfaces. The molecules in soap and detergents have a hydrophilic (water-attracting) end and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) end, which allows them to surround and lift away dirt and grease from surfaces. The hydrophobic end attaches to the dirt, while the hydrophilic end attaches to the water, allowing the dirt to be rinsed away.

Soap:
- Consists of fatty acid salts attached to a hydrophilic (water-loving) "head" and a hydrophobic (water-hating) "tail."
- When soap is dissolved in water, the hydrophilic heads face outward and the hydrophobic tails face inward, forming micelles.
- Micelles trap dirt and oil molecules, forming a suspension that can be rinsed away with water.

Detergents:
- Synthetic surfactants (surface-active agents) with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties.
- Work similarly to soap, forming micelles that trap dirt and oil.
- Can be formulated to work effectively in a wider range of pH levels and water conditions than soap.