Reaction of Soap and Oil with Water

Language : English
Oil and Water Emulsion

Description : -

In this experiment, we observe the reaction between soap, oil, and water. Two test tubes are used. In both, we add water and oil. However, in one of them, we also add a few drops of soap. When both test tubes are swirled, the one without soap shows two separate layers of oil and water because they do not mix. But in the test tube with soap, the oil mixes with water and forms a cloudy solution with some foam. This happens because soap acts as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water to blend by breaking the surface tension.

About this experiment: -

Oil and Water Emulsion Experiment – Class 10 Science

When oil and water are combined, they don’t mix and form separate layers because of their different polarities. Water is a polar substance, while oil is non-polar, so they naturally repel each other. This separation is a common physical phenomenon observed in daily life—whether you’re cleaning greasy dishes or mixing salad dressing.

However, when soap is added and the mixture is shaken, something fascinating happens. The soap molecules act like a bridge between oil and water. They have two ends:

  • A hydrophobic (water-repelling) end that binds with oil.
  • A hydrophilic (water-attracting) end that binds with water.

When the solution is shaken, the oil breaks into tiny droplets. These droplets are surrounded by soap molecules that prevent them from rejoining into a layer. As a result, oil disperses evenly throughout the water. This new mixture is called an emulsion.

Understanding Emulsions

An emulsion is a mixture of two immiscible liquids (like oil and water) in which one is dispersed as small droplets in the other with the help of an emulsifying agent such as soap.

Real-Life Applications of Emulsions

  • Cleaning oily stains from utensils and clothes.
  • Found in cosmetics like lotions and creams.
  • Used in the food industry, for example in mayonnaise.

Key Observations in the Experiment

Contents Observation
Water + Oil Two distinct layers form. Oil floats due to lower density.
Water + Oil + Soap Oil forms small droplets that disperse in water, creating foam.

Dencity and Emulsions

Dencity brings such experiments to life in a virtual science lab. If you’re in Class 10 science, you can perform the Oil and Water Emulsion Experiment right from your phone or desktop—no real oil spills or mess involved!

With real-time simulations, step-by-step calculations, and 3D visualizations, Dencity makes it easy to see emulsification happen virtually. This helps you understand why soap works as a cleaner, not just in theory, but in action.

Dencity is available on Android, iOS, and desktops, providing access to science experiments without the cost or risks of a physical lab. It covers everything from basic physics and chemistry to complex scientific phenomena.


Dencity for Teachers

Interactive teaching becomes a breeze with Dencity. Teachers can:

This supports engaging science education and saves time with automated grading and setup-free experiments.


Optimized for Interactive Touch Panels

Dencity is fully optimized for use on interactive touch panels in classrooms, allowing both teachers and students to explore science with just a touch. It enhances classroom participation and makes concepts like emulsions more accessible and visual.


Contact Us for Demos and Pricing

Are you from a school or institution looking to upgrade your science teaching methods? Contact us for customized pricing or a demo to see how Dencity can revolutionize your lab experience.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What is an emulsion?
    An emulsion is a mixture where one liquid is dispersed in another with the help of an emulsifier, like soap.
  2. Why don’t oil and water mix?
    Because oil is non-polar and water is polar, they repel each other.
  3. How does soap help oil and water mix?
    Soap molecules have hydrophilic and hydrophobic ends that bind both oil and water, forming an emulsion.
  4. Where are emulsions used in real life?
    In cleaning, cosmetics like creams, and foods like mayonnaise.
  5. Why does the mixture become foamy?
    The soap forms bubbles during emulsification, creating foam.
  6. What class is this experiment for?
    This experiment is part of the Class 10 science curriculum.
  7. Can I do this experiment at home safely?
    Yes, but with Dencity, you can do it virtually without any mess.
  8. What devices support the Dencity app?
    Dencity runs on Android, iOS, and desktops.
  9. How does Dencity help teachers?
    It supports interactive teaching, assignment tracking, and live classroom features.
  10. Is Dencity useful without a real science lab?
    Absolutely. It replaces physical labs with safe, cost-effective virtual experiments.

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