Hydrophobe facts for kids
In chemistry, hydrophobicity is the physical property of a molecule that is seemingly repelled from a mass of water (known as a hydrophobe). In contrast, hydrophiles are attracted to water.
Hydrophobic molecules in water often cluster together, forming micelles.
Examples of hydrophobic molecules include the alkanes, oils, fats, and greasy substances in general. Hydrophobic materials are used for oil removal from water, the management of oil spills, and chemical separation processes to remove non-polar substances from polar compounds.
Images for kids
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165 degree water contact angle on a surface modified using plasma technology system surface chemistry. The contact angle is the red angle plus 90 degrees.
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Dew drop on a hydrophobic leaf surface
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A water drop on a Lotus plant leaf.
See also
In Spanish: Hidrófobo para niños
