Soap: Lab Quiz

Chemical compounds that lower surface tension are called:

• elastics

• surfactants

• acids

• bases

One end of a soap molecule is attracted to water molecules and attaches to them.
This end of the soap molecule is said to be:

• saponified

• hydrophobic

• hydrophilic

• ampiphilic

The chemical reaction that occurs when soap is made is known as

• saponification

• soap making

• decomposition

• synthesis

What category of chemical reactions does saponification fit into?

• synthesis

• decomposition

• combustion

• neutralization

The chemical name for lye is:

• sodium hydroxide

• salt crystals

• caustic soda

• potassium hydroxide

Why is it important to wear goggles and gloves when making soap?
Explain what was hazardous during this lab.

When dissolving the NaOH (lye) crystals, ice cubes were used in place of water.
Explain why this choice was made.

In your own words, give a scientific explanation of how soap works.

After the soap is poured and removed from the molds it must be left to cure for 4-6 weeks.
Describe three things that happen during to the soap while it is curing.