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How does soap's property as an emulsifier make it useful for washing dirt off one's hands with water?

  • A. Soap's dual polar and nonpolar nature helps bond oil and water.
  • B. Soap's rough texture physically scours grime off surfaces.
  • C. Soap's enzymatic action helps to dissolve grime into smaller particles.
  • D. Soap's acidity causes grime to precipitate into the water.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Soap acts as an emulsifier due to its dual polar and nonpolar nature. This unique feature allows soap molecules to interact with both oil and water, facilitating their bonding. When washing hands with soap and water, the soap molecules attract oil and dirt on the skin because of their dual nature. Consequently, the dirt and oil become suspended in the water, making it easier to wash them away. Therefore, soap's dual polar and nonpolar nature enables it to effectively remove dirt and oil from the skin when combined with water.