Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) (CMC = critical micelle concentration; surface tension γ drops steeply below CMC then)
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CMC = critical micelle concentration; surface tension γ drops steeply below CMC then levels near CMC
What each symbol means
| Symbol | What it stands for |
|---|---|
| γ | Surface tension of the solution — drops sharply with surfactant until ~CMC |
| CMC | Concentration above which surfactant aggregates into micelles in solution |
When to use this
Surfactant in aqueous solvent; above CMC, micelles exist in equilibrium with monomers; Krafft temperature: below it surfactant may crystallize so CMC not reached in usual sense.