In the aqueous solution of soaps above :

Options

A. the cations associate to form the aggregates
B. the anions associate to from the clusters of colloidal dimension
C. the polar ends of the clusters of colloidal dimension
D. the non - polar ends (hydrocarbon) ends are directed toward water

Answer

To solve the question regarding the aqueous solution of soaps, we need to analyze the properties of soap molecules and their behavior in water. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of Soap
Soaps are typically represented by the formula R-COO-Na, where:
- R represents a long hydrocarbon chain (nonpolar part).
- COO- represents the carboxylate group (polar part).
- Na+ is the sodium cation.

**Hint:** Remember that soaps have both hydrophobic (nonpolar) and hydrophilic (polar) parts.

### Step 2: Identify the Behavior of Soap in Water
In an aqueous solution, the soap molecules will orient themselves such that:
- The hydrophobic (nonpolar) tails (R) will avoid water and aggregate together.
- The hydrophilic (polar) heads (COO-) will interact with water.

**Hint:** Think about how oil and water behave; similar principles apply to the soap molecules.

### Step 3: Analyze the Given Options
Now, let’s evaluate the options based on the behavior of soap in water:

1. **Cations associate to form aggregates.**
- This statement is **false** because the sodium ions (Na+) do not form aggregates; they remain dissolved in water.

2. **Anions associate to form clusters of colloidal dimension.**
- This statement is **true**. The COO- groups (the polar parts) can form clusters around dirt particles, which helps in cleansing.

3. **Polar ends of the cluster are of colloidal dimension.**
- This statement is also **true**. The polar ends (COO-) are indeed involved in forming clusters that have colloidal dimensions.

4. **Nonpolar ends are directed toward water.**
- This statement is **false** because the nonpolar ends (R) are hydrophobic and will not be directed toward water; instead, they will aggregate away from it.

### Step 4: Conclusion
Based on the analysis:
- The correct options are **2 and 3**.
- Options **1 and 4** are incorrect.

**Final Answer:** The correct options regarding the aqueous solution of soaps are **2 and 3**.