Micelle
A micelle is a tiny spherical cluster formed by soap molecules in water, with hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails pointing inward.
Practice This ConceptMain explanation
Teacher explanation
Soap cleans because its molecules have two different ends. The water-attracting head stays in water, while the oil-attracting tail goes into grease. When many soap molecules gather around a grease particle, they form a micelle. This traps the grease and allows it to be washed away with water.
Example
When soap is rubbed on oily hands, micelles form around tiny oil droplets and carry them away during rinsing.
Simple analogy
Tail in grease, head in water.
Common confusion
Students often think soap dissolves grease completely. In reality, soap surrounds grease and suspends it in water.
Exam tip
Remember the arrangement: tails inward toward grease, heads outward toward water.
Answer writing and exam use
1-mark use
Write the exact meaning of micelle in one clean line.
2-mark use
Define micelle and add one example or condition.
3-mark use
Explain micelle, show the method or example, and mention the common mistake.
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