Malia was able to make a paperclip float on the surface of water. what will most likely happen to the paperclip if a drop of dishwashing detergent is added near it? soap is a surfactant that increases the intermolecular forces of water allowing the paperclip to continue to float. soap makes the water less viscous making the paperclip sink. soap is a surfactant that disrupts the intermolecular forces of water making the paperclip sink. soap makes the water more viscous allowing the paperclip to continue to float.

Answer : The correct option is "Soap is a surfactant that disrupts the intermolecular forces of water making the paperclip sink."

Explanation :

The paperclip is able to float on the surface of water due to its surface tension.

Water molecules on the surface behave differently than those present inside. The molecules on the surface experience a downward pull due to the attraction by other molecules. As a result these molecules are held tightly on the surface and experience a surface tension. They act like a thin film which helps the paper clip to float.

But when soap is added to water, it reduces the surface tension. Soap disrupts the intermolecular forces that hold the molecules on the surface tightly like a film. As a result, the paperclip sinks into the water.