The biggest concern with detergent use is that bacteria cannot easily break down a _______________ that has been greatly branched.
Carbon chain
Alkene chain
Hydrocarbon chain
Alkane chain
Detergents contain synthetic surfactants that are designed to be more effective at removing dirt and stains than traditional soap-based detergents. However, some of these synthetic surfactants have branched hydrocarbon chains that can be difficult for bacteria to break down during the natural process of biodegradation. This can lead to the buildup of synthetic surfactants in the environment, which can have harmful effects on aquatic life and other ecosystems.
Incorrect options:
1."Carbon chain" is incorrect. Hydrocarbons are molecules that contain both carbon and hydrogen atoms. A carbon chain could refer to any hydrocarbon molecule, but it doesn't necessarily have to be branched or difficult for bacteria to break down.
2."Alkene chain" is incorrect. An alkene is a type of hydrocarbon that contains a double bond between two carbon atoms. Like a carbon chain, an alkene chain could refer to any hydrocarbon molecule, but it doesn't necessarily have to be branched or difficult for bacteria to break down.
4."Alkane chain" is incorrect. An alkane is a type of hydrocarbon that contains only single bonds between carbon atoms. While some synthetic surfactants contain alkane chains, this alone does not make them difficult for bacteria to break down.