What does oriented-wedge theory state?

What does oriented-wedge theory state?

• A. Molecules of an emulsifier orient themselves into each phase (oil and aqueous).
• B. Emulsifiers create a single continuous layer around the entire emulsion.
• C. Interfacial tension is not affected by emulsifiers.
• D. Emulsifiers only affect viscosity of the continuous phase.

Answer: (A)

Oriented-wedge theory explains how emulsifier molecules position themselves at the oil–water interface, with their hydrophilic heads in the aqueous phase and their hydrophobic tails in the oil. This wedge-like arrangement forms a protective interfacial film around each droplet and lowers interfacial tension, helping prevent droplets from merging. The statement correctly reflects this by describing emulsifier molecules orienting themselves into both phases. The idea that there would be a single continuous layer around the entire emulsion isn’t what the theory specifies, since stabilization occurs at the droplet interfaces. And interfacial tension is indeed affected by emulsifiers, while viscosity is not the primary or sole outcome described by this theory.

Oriented-wedge theory explains how emulsifier molecules position themselves at the oil–water interface, with their hydrophilic heads in the aqueous phase and their hydrophobic tails in the oil. This wedge-like arrangement forms a protective interfacial film around each droplet and lowers interfacial tension, helping prevent droplets from merging. The statement correctly reflects this by describing emulsifier molecules orienting themselves into both phases. The idea that there would be a single continuous layer around the entire emulsion isn’t what the theory specifies, since stabilization occurs at the droplet interfaces. And interfacial tension is indeed affected by emulsifiers, while viscosity is not the primary or sole outcome described by this theory.