Which of the following best sums up the components of a soap molecule?

The correct answer is: The molecule's non-polar, hydrophilic head is attached to an ionic, hydrophobic tail.

• The molecule's non-polar, hydrophilic head is attached to an ionic, hydrophobic tail best sums up the components of a soap molecule.
• Soap molecules have two distinct ends, one hydrophilic (polar head) that binds water and the other hydrophobic (non-polar hydrocarbon tail) that binds fats and oils.
• Soaps act as emulsifiers because soap molecules have the properties of both non-polar and polar molecules. Emulsifiers are simply additives that help two liquids mix.
• When greasy dirt, grease, or oil is mixed with soapy water, the soap molecules are arranged in small clusters called micelles.
• Soap molecules act as bridges between polar water molecules and non-polar oil molecules. The water-loving (hydrophilic) heads of the soap molecules adhere to water and face outwards, forming the outer surface of the micelle.
• The oil-loving (hydrophobic) tails stick to the oil, trapping it in the middle where it cannot come into contact with water.