Liquids — Unit test

Question 4 • IA-Chemistry A Survey of Chemistry A

Malia was able to make a paperclip float on the surface of water. What will most likely happen to the paperclip if a drop of dishwashing detergent is added near it?

Answer

Soap is a surfactant that increases the intermolecular forces of water allowing the paperclip to continue to float.

Soap makes the water less viscous making the paperclip sink.

Soap is a surfactant that disrupts the intermolecular forces of water making the paperclip sink.

Soap makes the water more viscous allowing the paperclip to continue to float.

Explanation

A paperclip can rest on water because the water’s surface tension supports it. Dishwashing detergent is a surfactant that weakens the cohesive intermolecular forces at the water’s surface, reducing that surface tension. The surface is then less able to support the paperclip, so it will most likely sink. Choice C correctly describes this effect.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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