The term used for substances that attract water molecules is “hydrophilic.”
Hydrophilic substances have an affinity for water, meaning they can easily interact with and dissolve in water. This characteristic is due to the presence of polar groups or charged regions within the molecules of hydrophilic substances, which can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. Common examples of hydrophilic substances include salts, sugars, and certain types of proteins.
In contrast, substances that repel water molecules are referred to as “hydrophobic.” Understanding the difference between hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances is essential in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and environmental science, as it impacts processes such as solubility, absorption, and cellular interactions.