Which term means having an aversion to water?

• A. Hydrophobic
• B. Hydrophilic
• C. Solution
• D. Ribonucleic Acid

Answer: (A)

Having an aversion to water describes how molecules interact with water based on polarity. Water is a polar substance, so nonpolar molecules tend to avoid water and minimize contact with it. This behavior is called hydrophobicity, coming from Greek roots meaning water fear. The best term for this property is hydrophobic, which means the substance does not dissolve well in water and tends to separate from it, as seen with oils forming layers on water. In contrast, hydrophilic describes water-loving, polar or charged substances that interact well with water; a solution is simply a homogeneous mixture, and ribonucleic acid is a specific molecule, not a description of water interaction.