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JEE Advanced levelOne or more correct optionsDifficulty 3 of 3sc219

Select the correct statement(s) about emulsifying agents.

  1. AIn soap, the hydrocarbon tail dips into the oil droplet and the ionic head lies in the water.
  2. BGum arabic, a lyophilic colloid, can act as an emulsifier.
  3. CAn emulsifier works by raising the interfacial tension between oil and water.
  4. DAn emulsifier forms an adsorbed film around the droplets that hinders coalescence.

Answer: A, B, D

Soap orients with its tail in oil and its head in water, and lyophilic colloids such as gum arabic and proteins stabilise emulsions by forming protective films. These films hinder coalescence. An emulsifier lowers, not raises, the interfacial tension, so statement 3 is wrong.
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