Answer: Inward, toward the oil or grease droplet.
- A Outward, into the surrounding water
- B Along the water surface only
- C Inward, toward the oil or grease droplet
- D Randomly in every direction
Correct answer: C. Inward, toward the oil or grease droplet
Explanation: In a micelle the hydrophobic hydrocarbon tails point inward toward the oily dirt, while the hydrophilic ionic heads face outward into water, letting the grease be washed away.
The hydrophobic hydrocarbon tail of each soap/detergent molecule dissolves into an oily dirt droplet, while the hydrophilic (ionic) head stays in the surrounding water - trapping the grease inside a micelle that rinses away with water.
Concept context
Drugs and how they interact with biological targets, chemicals in food, and cleansing agents (soaps and detergents) - chemistry applied directly to daily life and healthcare.