Hydrophobic describes substances that tend to do what with water?

• A. Tends to mix with water
• B. Dissolves in water
• C. Tends not to mix with water
• D. Reacts with water

Answer: (C)

Hydrophobic describes substances that tend not to mix with water. Since water is a polar molecule, nonpolar hydrophobic substances don’t form favorable interactions with it, so they minimize contact and tend to separate from the water, sometimes forming oil-like droplets. They don’t typically dissolve or react with water, which is why the other options don’t fit.