Question
Question: An emulsifier is a substance which: A. Stabilises the emulsion B. Homogenised the emulsion C. ...
An emulsifier is a substance which:
A. Stabilises the emulsion
B. Homogenised the emulsion
C. Coagulates the emulsion
D. Accelerates the dispersion of liquid in liquid
Solution
Emulsifiers are surface-active substances that help to maintain the homogeneity of non-homogeneous mixtures such as water and oil. When a system contains both water and oil, the oil eventually separates and floats to the top. Emulsifiers are employed as a bridge between water and oil to prevent this.
Complete Step By Step Answer:
An emulsion is an unstable system according to thermodynamics. This is due to the fact that emulsions are liquid-liquid systems with a natural tendency to separate and hence lower their surface energy or interfacial energy (Interfacial free energy is the disruption of intermolecular bonds that occurs when a new surface is created).
Now we'll see what happens to emulsions when emulsifying agents are added.
Emulsifiers, also known as emulsifying agents, aid in the stabilisation of emulsions by lowering interfacial tension or surface energy between the two liquids that make up the emulsion by producing a film between the medium and suspended particles. Long-chain compounds containing polar groups are emulsifying agents.
The correct option is: (A) Stabilises the emulsion.
Note:
Emulsification is the process of creating an emulsion. There are two forms of emulsions: (i) oil in water and (ii) water in oil.
The dispersion media is used to dilute emulsions. When the dispersed liquid is added into the solution, it separates into two layers. Electrolytes can precipitate the droplets in emulsions because they are often negatively charged. Heating, centrifuging, and freezing are used to separate emulsions into constituent liquids.