Everyday Science · 45 sec
Surfactant
The science behind something you encounter, use, or wonder about.
The useful idea
- The useful idea
A surfactant is a chemical compound that decreases the surface tension or interfacial tension between two liquids, a liquid and a gas, or a liquid and a solid.
- How it works
The word surfactant is a blend of "surface-active agent", coined in 1950.
- Why it matters
As they consist of a water-repellent and a water-attracting part, they are emulsifiers, enabling water and oil to mix.
Why this matters
Look for Surfactant the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.
Try this
Look for Surfactant the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.
Test your recall
Which idea belongs to the explanation of Surfactant?
- How it works
- The useful idea — correct
- Why it matters
A surfactant is a chemical compound that decreases the surface tension or interfacial tension between two liquids, a liquid and a gas, or a liquid and a solid.