What are soaps chemically? How do they differ from synthetic detergents? Explain the mechanism and the cleansing action of soap.

(N/A) Chemical Nature: Soaps are the sodium or potassium salts of long-chain fatty acids (e.g.,stearic acid).
Difference from Synthetic Detergents: Soaps are effective only in soft water and form scum in hard water. Synthetic detergents are ammonium or sulphonate salts of long-chain carboxylic acids and are effective in both soft and hard water.
Cleansing Action (Micelle Formation): Soap molecules have two parts: a hydrophilic ionic head and a hydrophobic hydrocarbon tail.
When soap is dissolved in water,the hydrophobic tails attach to the dirt (oil/grease) particles,while the hydrophilic heads remain in the water.
This forms a spherical structure called a micelle,with the dirt trapped in the center.
The ionic heads on the surface of the micelle repel each other due to like charges,keeping the micelles suspended in water as a colloid,which is then washed away with the water.