Question:

10 mL of 1 mM surfactant solution forms a monolayer covering 0.24 cm\(^2\) on a polar substrate. If the polar head is approximated as cube, what is its edge length?

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Find the number of surfactant molecules from moles x N\(_A\); area per molecule = total area / number; edge = square root of that area.
Updated On: Nov 5, 2026
  • 1.0 pm
  • 2.0 nm
  • 0.1 nm
  • 2.0 pm
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Moles of surfactant = 10 x 10\(^{-3}\) L x 1 x 10\(^{-3}\) mol/L = 10\(^{-5}\) mol.
Number of molecules = 10\(^{-5}\) x 6.022 x 10\(^{23}\) = 6.022 x 10\(^{18}\).
Area = 0.24 cm\(^2\) = 0.24 x 10\(^{-4}\) m\(^2\) = 2.4 x 10\(^{-5}\) m\(^2\).
Area per head (a\(^2\)) = 2.4 x 10\(^{-5}\) / 6.022 x 10\(^{18}\) = 3.99 x 10\(^{-24}\) m\(^2\).
Edge a = \(\sqrt{3.99 \times 10^{-24}}\) m = 2.0 x 10\(^{-12}\) m = 2.0 pm.
Answer: (4) 2.0 pm
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