GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

Detailed explanation-1: -The terms hydrophobic and polar refer to the overall distribution of charge in a molecule. If there are no local regions of high or low electron density in the molecule, it is called hydrophobic (Greek for “water-fearing"). This term arises because hydrophobic molecules do not dissolve in water.

Detailed explanation-2: -Something defined as hydrophilic is actually attracted to water, while something that is hydrophobic resists water. This means when hydrophobic items come in contact with liquids, water is encouraged to bead up and roll off the surface-almost pushing it away like a magnet pushes away metal objects.

Detailed explanation-3: -Materials with a special affinity for water-those it spreads across, maximizing contact-are known as hydrophilic. Those that naturally repel water, causing droplets to form, are known as hydrophobic.

Detailed explanation-4: -Hydrophobic is often used interchangeably with lipophilic, “fat-loving". However, the two terms are not synonymous. While hydrophobic substances are usually lipophilic, there are exceptions, such as the silicones and fluorocarbons.