Question

In comparison to the cohesive forces between water molecules of the protein solution droplet, how can the strength of interaction between water and oil molecules at an oil-water interface be characterized?

B. Weaker, because they are forces created by induced polarity in nonpolar molecules
C. Stronger, because of the predominance of Van der Waals forces
D. Stronger, because of sequestration of hydrophobic cap residues from the solvent

Answer 1

The strength of interaction between water and oil molecules at an oil-water interface is not stronger compared to the cohesive forces between water molecules due to the different natures of the intermolecular forces involved; hydrogen bonds in water and Van der Waals forces in oil.

Step-by-step explanation:

In comparison to the cohesive forces between water molecules of the protein solution droplet, the strength of interaction between water and oil molecules at an oil-water interface cannot be characterized as stronger. This is because water molecules are held together by strong hydrogen bonds, which are significantly more potent than the Van der Waals forces that dominate the interactions between nonpolar oil molecules.

At an oil-water interface, because water is polar and oil is nonpolar, there are limited interactions between them, with cohesive forces within the individual substances being stronger than any adhesive forces that could occur between the two different substances.