Hydrophobic substances tend to do which of the following?

• A. Form hydrogen bonds with water molecules
• B. Repel water and do not dissolve in it
• C. Readily mix with water due to polarity
• D. Increase the surface tension of water by adhering to it

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the term 'hydrophobic': Hydrophobic substances are 'water-fearing' and typically nonpolar, meaning they lack charged regions that can interact with water molecules.
2. Recall the properties of water: Water is a polar molecule, meaning it has partial positive and negative charges that allow it to form hydrogen bonds with other polar or charged substances.
3. Analyze the interaction between hydrophobic substances and water: Since hydrophobic substances are nonpolar, they cannot form hydrogen bonds with water molecules and tend to repel water instead of dissolving in it.
4. Consider the implications for solubility: Hydrophobic substances do not readily mix with water because they lack polarity, which is necessary for interaction with water's polar nature.
5. Evaluate the surface tension aspect: Hydrophobic substances do not increase water's surface tension by adhering to it; instead, they often aggregate together to minimize contact with water, forming structures like droplets or micelles.