The conversation between human and AI assistant.
What is the reason why detergent reduces surface tension?
Can you tell me why detergent reduces surface tension?
Sure! Detergent molecules have two ends - a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail. When added to water, the hydrophobic tails of the detergent molecules will orient themselves towards the water because they do not like being near each other. This creates a surface layer that is no longer purely water, and the surface tension is decreased as a result.