Consumer Chemistry: Properties of Soaps and Detergents

Product Details

Though similar in function, soaps and detergents differ in chemistry and performance. Students will examine the similarities and differences in the properties of soap, hand dishwashing detergent, and machine dishwashing detergent, all provided in kit. Activities include testing pH, examining the effect of soap and detergent on the surface tension of water, foaming ability, fat emulsification, and the performance of soap and detergent in hard water. Materials include: 25 ml each of liquid soap, hand dishwashing detergent, and machine dishwashing detergent; 60 ml vegetable oil; 60 ml of 5% solution of calcium chloride; 60 each of disposable medicine cups, polystyrene test tubes, capillary tubes, and graduated plastic pipettes; and 50 universal indicator strips. Kit contains enough materials for 15 groups. Grades 6-12.