Final Answer:
Nonpolar organic molecules, lacking a significant charge distribution, repel water, making them hydrophobic. This characteristic is crucial in fields like biochemistry, influencing interactions and behaviors in various environments.Thus the correct option is c.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nonpolar organic molecules are good examples of hydrophobic compounds, as they lack a significant charge distribution and, therefore, do not readily interact with water molecules. Water is a polar molecule, with a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atoms and a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom. Hydrophobic compounds, being nonpolar, cannot form favorable interactions with water and tend to aggregate or repel water. This behavior is evident in substances like oils and fats, which are composed of nonpolar hydrocarbon chains and exhibit hydrophobic characteristics.
Hydrophobicity is often quantified using the concept of hydrophobic interactions. These interactions are entropically driven, as the exclusion of nonpolar substances from water increases the system's overall entropy. The hydrophobic effect is crucial in biological processes, influencing protein folding, cell membrane structure, and other molecular interactions. The nonpolar nature of organic molecules can be attributed to the absence of polar functional groups, such as hydroxyl (-OH) or amino (-NH2) groups, that would enhance their interaction with water.
Understanding the hydrophobicity of nonpolar organic molecules is essential in fields like biochemistry, pharmacology, and materials science, as it affects the behavior and interactions of these compounds in various environments. In summary, the designation of nonpolar organic molecules as hydrophobic compounds reflects their inability to readily associate with water due to their lack of significant charge separation.
Therefore the correct option is c.