Question

Distinguish between hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules.

a. Hydrophilic molecules are inorganic, whereas hydrophobic molecules are organic.
b. Hydrophilic molecules are attracted to water, whereas hydrophobic molecules do not interact with water molecules.
c. Hydrophilic molecules are organic, whereas hydrophobic molecules are inorganic.
d. Hydrophilic molecules are monomers, whereas hydrophobic molecules are polymers.
e. Hydrophilic molecules do not interact with water molecules, whereas hydrophobic molecules are attracted to water.

Answer 1

Hydrophilic molecules are 'water-loving', attracted to and can dissolve in water due to their polarity. Hydrophobic molecules are 'water-fearing', repelling and not mixing with water because they are uncharged and non-polar. The correct answer is that hydrophilic molecules are attracted to water, whereas hydrophobic molecules do not interact with water.

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference between hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules is primarily in how they interact with water. Hydrophilic molecules are described as 'water-loving' because they are attracted to water and can dissolve in it. This is due to their polar nature, meaning they have a charge that interacts well with the polar molecules of water, forming hydrogen bonds. These can be ions or polar molecules themselves. On the other side, hydrophobic molecules are characterized as 'water-fearing' and tend to be repelled by water. These are usually uncharged and non-polar, like oils and fats, which do not mix well with water and thus do not form hydrogen bonds with it.

Given the options provided, the correct distinction is b: Hydrophilic molecules are attracted to water, whereas hydrophobic molecules do not interact with water molecules. It's worth noting that both hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules can be organic or inorganic, and they may be found as both monomers and polymers, which are not determining factors in their affinity for water.