Understanding the Incompatibility of Oil and Water: A Scientific Explanation

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Oil and water do not mix due to differences in polarity; water molecules are polar and have strong attractions to each other, while oil molecules are nonpolar and do not attract water. This polarity difference leads to the separation of the two liquids, as water molecules prefer to associate with each other rather than with oil. Soap can facilitate the mixing of oil and water by acting as an emulsifier, with one end of the soap molecule attracting water and the other end attracting oil. This interaction allows for temporary mixing of the two substances. Understanding these molecular interactions clarifies why oil and water remain distinct in their natural state.
bgq
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Hi,

Why do oil and water not mix? We know that some liquids mix together while others not, I am looking for the reason of this.

Thanks to any replies
 
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Polarity

The attraction between two water molecules is much stronger than the attraction of a water molecule and an oil molecule (or two oil molecules), so they tend to stay together.

You can mix them with soap (as a simplified model, long molecules where one side is attracted by water molecules and the other sticks to oil molecules).
 
Thank you very much.
 

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