« previous next »

Author Question: Why can the fluids used to dry clean clothing remove grease when water cannot? (Read 1730 times)

aero

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 512
on: Jun 25, 2013
I need it for my science homework, its extra credit we are SUPPOSED to look it up on the computer, so please no grilling.


Millan

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 368
Reply #1 on: Jun 25, 2013
Because they are non-polar compounds.  Water is a polar compound.  Since Oxygen is much more electronegative than H it gets a partial negative charge and H gets a partial positive charge.  This cannot interact with grease, which has almost no partial charge since it is non-polar.  Instead you need a non-polar compound, like dry cleaning fluids, to interact with and remove non-polar grease.


Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question

aero

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 512
Reply #2 on: Jun 29, 2013
Thanks :D


« previous next »
 

Did you know?

People who have myopia, or nearsightedness, are not able to see objects at a distance but only up close. It occurs when the cornea is either curved too steeply, the eye is too long, or both. This condition is progressive and worsens with time. More than 100 million people in the United States are nearsighted, but only 20% of those are born with the condition. Diet, eye exercise, drug therapy, and corrective lenses can all help manage nearsightedness.

Did you know?

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness. As of yet, there is no cure. Everyone is at risk, and there may be no warning signs. It is six to eight times more common in African Americans than in whites. The best and most effective way to detect glaucoma is to receive a dilated eye examination.

Did you know?

There can actually be a 25-hour time difference between certain locations in the world. The International Date Line passes between the islands of Samoa and American Samoa. It is not a straight line, but "zig-zags" around various island chains. Therefore, Samoa and nearby islands have one date, while American Samoa and nearby islands are one day behind. Daylight saving time is used in some islands, but not in others—further shifting the hours out of sync with natural time.

Did you know?

The human body's pharmacokinetics are quite varied. Our hair holds onto drugs longer than our urine, blood, or saliva. For example, alcohol can be detected in the hair for up to 90 days after it was consumed. The same is true for marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, methamphetamine, and nicotine.

Did you know?

After 5 years of being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, one every three patients will no longer be able to work.

The roles of transpiration, cohesion, adhesion, and tension in long-distance water transport. The roles of transpiration, cohesion, adhesion, and tension in long-distance water transport.
A hole in the muffler allows condensed water to escape. A hole in the muffler allows condensed water to escape.
Water resources Water resources
Work of Running Water Work of Running Water
Relative Humidity Changes at Constant Water-Vapor Content Relative Humidity Changes at Constant Water-Vapor Content
The water cycle The water cycle
Video: Interview with Person having Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library