Hydrophilic and hydrophobic are two terms that are used in describing the nature of molecules as well as other particles. The term "hydro" simply means water. Hence, both Hydrophilic and hydrophobic are terms that deal with the solubility and some other particles' properties as they have their interactions with water. Talking about hydrophobic, the term phobic is derived from a word called phobia, which simply means fear.
Hence, we define hydrophobic molecules as those molecules that refuse to mix with water; they simply repel the universal solvent. Hydrophilic molecules, on the contrary, can be as those molecules that interact well with water. Therefore, the major or root factor that distinguishes between these two terms is their attraction to water or resistance to water. As a matter of fact, hydrophobic molecules can dissolve in oil-based compounds. Hydrophobic molecules are known to be non-polar, while Hydrophilic molecules are considered ionic and polar.
Hydro and water are interchangeable words, such as in hydration. Hydrophilic substances gravitate towards water. They intermingle with water, or they dissolve in it. The hydrophilic substance must also be polar. Hydrophilic substances possess a charge separation, which makes them polar and gives them the ability to bond with water. Salts and sugar draw in water. On the other hand, hydrophobic substances do not attract water.
This lack of attraction is implied since phobic means to be afraid of something. When hydrophobic substances are in the water, they unite to repel water molecules. Hydrophobic elements are crucial for the separation of water, as hydrophobic substances are non-polar.
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