How do soaps work, chemically speaking? Describe their chemical properties and give an example (including chemical formula) of a particular soap.

Question

abb0t · Answer

Are you familiar with the term "surfactant" ? Or more simpler, what a "base" is?

vshiroky · Answer

Not really

abb0t · Answer

well, surfactants have a hydrophilic side of the molecule attaches to water, and a hydrophobic side of the molecule that avoids water. 
To explain a bit more in detail, in the absence of oils, the hydrophobic side sticks out of the surface of the water drop. There is no longer any water at the surface to form a strong surface tension, so the water no longer beads up, but spreads. teh hydrophobic end of the molecule is also free to attach to grease, fat, or oil on the surface, aiding in the spreading.
This is one of the reasons that you use soap when you wash your dishes with water. Does that make more sense?

vshiroky · Answer

yes

abb0t · Answer

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abb0t · Answer

They also function as bases. Typically to neuatralize acidic water also. Since they have a hydrophobic tail and philic head.

abb0t · Answer

Soap is quite interesting, chemically speaking.