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Ch. 3 - Water and Life
Chapter 3, Problem 1

Which of the following is a hydrophobic material? a. paper b. table salt c. wax d. sugar

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1
Identify the meaning of hydrophobic: Hydrophobic substances are those that do not mix well with water.
Analyze each option: Paper absorbs water, so it is not hydrophobic. Table salt (NaCl) dissolves in water, indicating it is hydrophilic. Sugar also dissolves in water, making it hydrophilic.
Recognize the properties of wax: Wax does not mix with or dissolve in water, indicating it is hydrophobic.
Conclude that among the given options, wax is the only hydrophobic material.
Select the correct answer: c. wax

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Hydrophobicity

Hydrophobicity refers to the property of a substance to repel water. Hydrophobic materials do not mix with water and tend to be non-polar, meaning they do not have charged regions that can interact with water molecules. This characteristic is crucial in biological systems, influencing the structure and function of cell membranes and proteins.
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Polarity

Polarity is a chemical property that describes the distribution of electrical charge over the atoms in a molecule. Polar molecules, like water, have regions with partial positive and negative charges, allowing them to interact with other polar substances. In contrast, non-polar substances, such as wax, do not have these charged regions and are typically hydrophobic.
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Examples of Hydrophobic Materials

Common examples of hydrophobic materials include oils, fats, and waxes. These substances do not dissolve in water and often form separate layers when mixed with aqueous solutions. Understanding these examples helps in identifying hydrophobic materials in various contexts, such as in biological membranes or in everyday products.
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