Hydrophobicity refers to the property of a substance that repels water. Materials that are hydrophobic do not easily mix with water and tend to form droplets instead. This characteristic is important in various fields, including biology, where it affects how molecules like proteins and lipids interact in cellular environments.
In everyday life, hydrophobic materials are commonly found in products like raincoats and non-stick cookware. These materials often have surfaces that prevent water from spreading, allowing it to bead up and roll off. Understanding hydrophobicity is essential for applications in chemistry, material science, and environmental science.