I remember from my organic chemistry classes in college something about
soaps and detergents.  Their special characteristic is the ability to
dissolve in both water and oil at the same time....One end of the
molecule dissolves in oil and the other end of the molecule dissolves in
water, allowing the formation of an emulsion.
John Jensen, Mudbug Pottery
mudbug@toadhouse.com , http://www.toadhouse.com

Detergents are "Wetting Agents".
"Soap" is not a detergnet, it has detergent in it. Detergents are
chemical additives to soap to do exactly what you have said, break the
water tension, which allows the deeper penetration of the soap. In
combination they do a better job of cleaning. Detergents without the
soap can be acquired, if one want to run without the soap. it may be
that the soap also serves a purpose on the racing circuit. Not sure
about that part.
John Rodgers
88 GL Driver