Final answer:
Chemicals, including detergents, are used in secondary recovery to enhance oil production. They reduce the intermolecular attractions between water and oil, making it easier for oil to flow through the reservoir.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chemicals, including detergents, are used in secondary recovery to enhance oil production. In secondary recovery, chemicals are injected into the reservoir to improve the flow of oil and increase oil recovery.
Detergents, or surfactants, are used to reduce the intermolecular attractions between water and oil, making it easier for the oil to flow through the reservoir. Other chemicals, such as polymers and alkalis, may also be used to improve oil displacement and recovery.