Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario (MDRAO) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the MDRAO Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and detailed explanations for each question. Boost your confidence and pass your exam!

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What are detergents primarily used for?

Cleansing surfaces
Dissolving dirt, grease, and breaking down oils
Neutralizing acids
Enhancing chemical reactions

The correct answer is: Dissolving dirt, grease, and breaking down oils

Detergents are primarily designed for dissolving dirt, grease, and breaking down oils. This capability is due to their unique molecular structure, which allows them to attach to both water and oily substances. The hydrophilic (water-attracting) part of a detergent molecule interacts with water, while the hydrophobic (water-repelling) part binds to oils and grease. This dual functionality enables detergents to emulsify and lift away stubborn substances, making them particularly effective in cleaning applications. While cleansing surfaces is indeed a function of detergents, it is a broader outcome of their action in breaking down and removing contaminants like dirt and grease. Neutralizing acids and enhancing chemical reactions, on the other hand, are not primary functions of detergents. These processes are typically associated with different types of chemicals or agents, such as acids or bases used for neutralization or catalysts that speed up chemical reactions. Therefore, the primary role of detergents is clearly tied to their ability to dissolve and remove soil and oils, making option B the most accurate choice.