ChemistryCarbon and its Compounds

Soap, Micelles & Hard Water

See why soaps fail in hard water and detergents don't.

Cleaning agent

Water hardness200 ppm

Cleaning efficiency

45%

Scum formed

Yes — calcium/magnesium salts

Efficiency45

Micelle formation on an oil droplet45% clean

Click to start animation

Soap molecules form micelles: the hydrophobic tail traps oil, the hydrophilic head faces water.

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