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Many chemical compounds are related to each other by their structural features, the way they are made and how they are used - Scottish Highers Chemistry - Question 5 - 2018
Question 5
Many chemical compounds are related to each other by their structural features, the way they are made and how they are used. Using your knowledge of chemistry, desc... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Many chemical compounds are related to each other by their structural features, the way they are made and how they are used - Scottish Highers Chemistry - Question 5 - 2018
Step 1
Describe the relationships between fats and oils
Answer
Fats and oils are both types of lipids, which are organic compounds that are insoluble in water. They are made up of triglycerides, consisting of glycerol and three fatty acids. The key difference is in their physical state at room temperature: fats are typically solid (often saturated fatty acids), while oils are liquid (often unsaturated fatty acids). Both serve as energy sources and play structural roles in cells.
Step 2
Describe the relationships between soaps and detergents
Answer
Soaps and detergents are surfactants, which means they lower the surface tension of water and effectively remove dirt and grease. Soaps are typically made from the saponification of fats or oils combined with a strong base. Detergents, on the other hand, are synthetically produced and can function in both hard and soft water, providing more versatile cleaning applications compared to soaps.
Step 3
Describe the relationships between emulsifiers and other compounds
Answer
Emulsifiers are compounds that help to mix two immiscible liquids, such as oil and water, which would normally separate. They contain both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties. Soaps can act as emulsifiers due to their dual structure, enabling the formation of emulsions. Similarly, detergents also serve as emulsifiers, allowing them to effectively clean oily substances in water.