The Question is from neet-chemistry surface-chemistry , and it was created by the author A.RAMA NAGESWARARAO

Question

The hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value of a surfactant is 16. This surfactant is most likely to be used in which type of emulsion?

A.RAMA NAGESWARARAO · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: A
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) and Emulsion Type
 **Related Topics**: Surfactants, Emulsions (o/w and w/o), Polarity
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of surfactant properties and their role in emulsion stabilization.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  HLB value = 16
  [Surfactants with high HLB values (generally > 10) are more hydrophilic (water-loving) and favor oil-in-water (o/w) emulsions.]
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Determine the type of emulsion based on the HLB value.
  Reasoning: The HLB system is an empirical scale used to classify surfactants based on their hydrophilic and lipophilic properties.  A high HLB value indicates a more hydrophilic surfactant.
  Formula/Rule:  There's no specific formula, but a general guideline: 
		HLB < 10: Favors water-in-oil (w/o) emulsions
		HLB > 10: Favors oil-in-water (o/w) emulsions
 2. Interpret the HLB value of 16.
  Working: Since the HLB value is 16, which is significantly greater than 10, it indicates a strongly hydrophilic surfactant.
  Key Point:  The higher the HLB value, the greater the surfactant's affinity for water.
 3. Identify the appropriate emulsion type.
  Result:  A surfactant with an HLB of 16 is most likely to be used in an oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion.
  Verification: The HLB value strongly supports the formation of an o/w emulsion due to the surfactant's preference for the aqueous phase.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A ✓: Oil-in-water (o/w): Correct.  A high HLB value (16) indicates a surfactant that is highly hydrophilic and will stabilize an oil-in-water emulsion.
B :x: Water-in-oil (w/o): Incorrect.  Surfactants with low HLB values (typically below 10) are more lipophilic and favor w/o emulsions.
C :x: Both o/w and w/o equally: Incorrect. The HLB value strongly suggests a preference for one type of emulsion.
D :x: Neither o/w nor w/o: Incorrect.  All surfactants are used to stabilize emulsions; the choice depends on the HLB value and desired emulsion type.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Misinterpreting the HLB scale:  Remembering that higher HLB values correspond to more hydrophilic surfactants is crucial.
  2.Assuming a sharp cutoff: The transition between w/o and o/w emulsions isn't abrupt; there's a range where either could be possible, but a value of 16 is clearly in the o/w range.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember the general rule: HLB > 10 usually means o/w.
  2.Visualize:  Imagine the surfactant molecules; a high HLB means the hydrophilic 'head' is dominant, attracting water and forming an o/w emulsion.

A.RAMA NAGESWARARAO · Answer

The correct Option is "Oil-in-water (o/w)"

A.RAMA NAGESWARARAO · Answer

Water-in-oil (w/o)

A.RAMA NAGESWARARAO · Answer

Both o/w and w/o equally

A.RAMA NAGESWARARAO · Answer

Neither o/w nor w/o

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