answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Most people know that oil and water don't mix. This is because water molecules have a positive end and a negative end. Alcohol is like water. It has a positive and a negative end. It mixes with water, but not with oil.Food coloring is mostly water, so that it can mix with most foods, which are also water based.

To get food coloring and / or water to mix with oil, you need an emulsifier, like egg or soap. Obviously, if you plan to eat it, you don't want to add soap, and egg will change the consistency drastically. The main ingredients in mayonnaise are oil, water, and egg.

The reason emulsifiers work is that they have a long carbon chain that is not charged (to hold on to drops of oil), and ends that are charged (to hold on to the water molecules. Some may think that an alcohol molecule fits this description, since it has a carbon chain and a hydroxide ion on one end. However, the chain is too short, so the carbon chain is actually going to have a slight positive charge.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

5mo ago

Rubbing alcohol is a water-based compound, and oil is a nonpolar substance. Since water and oil have different polarities, they do not mix because oil molecules are hydrophobic and repel water molecules. This causes the two substances to stay separated when mixed together.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

Rubbing alcohol is also known as isopropyl alcohol. The reason why rubbing alcohol and oil can't mix is because the alcohol is less dense than the oil.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why can't rubbing alcohol and oil mix?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Can you mix glycerin and rubbing alcohol togetherd?

Yes, as essential oils are not the same as vegetable oils (such as olive oil), they can also be mixed with vinagar.


Does rubbing alcohol have acetone in it?

No, rubbing alcohol has oil and isopropyl alcohol in it.


Why doesn't vegtable oil mix with alcohol?

Vegetable oil does not mix with alcohol because the density of the liquids is different. This is the same reason that oil and water do not mix.


What is of less density than rubbing alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol is less dense than water. Therefore, any substance with a lower density than water would also be less dense than rubbing alcohol. Examples include oil and gas.


Can you substitute rubbing alcohol for oil in perfume and it still smell strong?

Rubbing alcohol can be used as a substitute for oil in perfume, but it may change the final scent and consistency of the perfume. Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, which may affect the longevity and intensity of the perfume scent. It is recommended to use perfumer's alcohol or a carrier oil for better results.


What is green rubbing alcohol used for?

Green rubbing alcohol is used in the same ways that regular rubbing alcohol is used. It is used for first-aid like scrapes and cuts, but generally has additives like menthol oil to smell and feel tingly and minty.


Can alcohol and oil mix?

Yes, they are miscible.


How do you get the oil residue off of the kitchen stove?

Amonia works well, as does rubbing alcohol, bleach, etc. Amonia works well, as does rubbing alcohol, bleach, etc.


Is oil water a mixture?

no they cant mix


Is water and oil a mixture?

no they cant mix


What liquids overlap on each other?

When two liquids completely mix together to form a single phase, they are said to be miscible. Examples of miscible liquids include water and rubbing alcohol, ethanol and acetone, and vinegar and olive oil.


What type of liquid has a close density to vegetable oil?

Rubbing alcohol is less dense, it will float on top ofvegetableoil.