This is caused by the polarity of water molecules due to the electron affinity of the oxygen atom. Hydrophobic molecules tend to be neutral and non polar, and avoid contact with polar molecules, like water. If immersed in water, hydrophobic molecules will clump together to decrease the total surface area that is in contact with the water. | This is caused by the polarity of water molecules due to the electron affinity of the oxygen atom. Hydrophobic molecules tend to be neutral and non polar, and avoid contact with polar molecules, like water. If immersed in water, hydrophobic molecules will clump together to decrease the total surface area that is in contact with the water. |