What is the difference between hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances?

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In summary, hydrophilic substances are attracted to water while hydrophobic substances are not. However, the terminology of "wanting" or "hating" water is not entirely accurate. Rather, hydrophobic substances do not bind well with water and will form a bead when dropped onto water, while hydrophilic substances bind easily with water and will form a film. This concept is further explained by Prof. Robert A. Weinberg in his fourth video lecture on hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties.
  • #1
pivoxa15
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hydrophilic substance means it is attracted to water

hydrophobic substance means it is immiscible with water

But the fact is the property of hydrophobic is more to do with water not wanting to bind with them. Not them hating water. They would bind if a drop of them was thrown onto water.

Likewise hydrophilic substance is not they wanting to bind with water but rather water wanting to bind with them. i.e. a drop of hydrophilic substance would form a bead instead of forming a film on the water.

I just thought I would share this strange fact.
 
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  • #2
It really has no relevance which of the descriptions one chooses to use - they are both almost equally wrong. It has nothing to do with the substances not 'wanting' to be close to the water or the other way around.

Prof. Robert A. Weinberg gives a better view of it in the fourth video lecture, if you want to learn more about it in a visual way http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Biology/7-012Fall-2004/VideoLectures/index.htm.
 
  • #3
Do you know about when in the video he goes to speak about this hydro issue?
 

1. What does it mean for a substance to be hydrophilic or hydrophobic?

Hydrophilic and hydrophobic are terms that describe a substance's ability to interact with water. Hydrophilic substances are attracted to water and are able to dissolve in it, while hydrophobic substances repel water and do not dissolve in it.

2. How do hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances differ in terms of their molecular structure?

Hydrophilic substances have polar or charged regions in their molecular structure, which allows them to interact with water molecules. Hydrophobic substances, on the other hand, have non-polar regions and do not have an affinity for water.

3. What are some examples of hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances?

Examples of hydrophilic substances include salt, sugar, and most types of acids and bases. Hydrophobic substances include oils, fats, and waxes. Some substances, like soap, have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties.

4. How do hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances affect the properties of a solution?

Hydrophilic substances can dissolve in water and create a homogeneous solution, while hydrophobic substances tend to separate from water and form distinct layers. This can affect the overall solubility, viscosity, and surface tension of a solution.

5. How are hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances used in various industries?

Hydrophilic substances are commonly used in industries such as food and pharmaceuticals, where solubility in water is important. Hydrophobic substances are used in industries like cosmetics, where their water-repelling properties can provide a barrier against moisture.

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