Steven W. answered • 08/31/16
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Hi Angelica!
This particular lizard, as well as some other animals, are able to use the (relatively high) surface tension of water to "walk on water," by applying force to the surface that is small enough and brief enough to not break that tension.
To achieve the nefarious end of preventing this, you need to add a substance to the water that would do that. Surfactants are one type of such a substance (as the name might suggest). They break the surface tension of water so that other particulates can be more easily absorbed in it.
If you choose the one among your answers that is a surfactant, you should be in good shape. I hope that helps! but if you want to talk further about it, just let me know.
Steven W.
tutor
Yes, I would agree that, since a seems to describe a surfactant, and detergent is a surfactant, they would both be correct. I apologize; I did not note the "select all that apply" option. You are right on!
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08/31/16
Angelica J.
Thank you so much Steven! I didn't even know about surfactants until you helped me! I truly appreciate your help and all of the other amazing tutors like you who dedicate their time and energy to helping students like me understand material in greater depth. :)
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08/31/16
Angelica J.
Now let's add soap or detergent. The surfactant's water-hating end is repelled by water but attracted to the oil in the soil. At the same time, the water-loving end is attracted to the water molecules.
These opposing forces loosen the soil and suspend it in the water. Warm or hot water helps dissolve grease and oil in soil. Washing machine agitation or hand rubbing helps pull the soil free."
08/31/16