A surface active agent, or surfactant, is a substance which lowers the surface tension of the medium in which it is dissolved, the interfacial tension with other phases, and is positively adsorbed at the liquid-vapour interface and other interfaces.

What is surface-active agent in chemistry?

surfactant, also called surface-active agent, substance such as a detergent that, when added to a liquid, reduces its surface tension, thereby increasing its spreading and wetting properties.

What are the 4 types of surfactants?

The answer is yes, there are four different types of surfactants which are nonionic, anionic, cationic, amphoteric. These surfactants differ in composition and polarity. Surfactants also known as surface active agents, are used to lower the surface tension between liquids.