Hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules have distinct characteristics that determine how they interact with water.
Hydrophobic molecules are those that do not mix well with water. They are typically non-polar molecules, meaning they do not have a charge or have a balanced distribution of charges. Their primary characteristic is their tendency to repel water. Common examples of hydrophobic substances include oils and fats. When placed in water, hydrophobic molecules tend to aggregate together in order to minimize their exposure to water, often forming droplets.
On the other hand, hydrophilic molecules are those that readily interact and mix with water. These molecules are usually polar or charged, allowing them to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. They can dissolve easily in water, which makes them essential for various biological processes. Sugars and salts are typical examples of hydrophilic substances. When hydrophilic molecules are introduced to water, they disperse and become evenly distributed throughout the liquid.
In summary, the main distinction lies in how these molecules interact with water: hydrophobic molecules repel and do not dissolve in water, while hydrophilic molecules attract and dissolve in water.