This module demonstrates and gives students an understanding of the forces behind hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions. The balance between cohesive and adhesive forces results in an almost spherical drop of water standing on a surface, such as a lotus leaf. This effect is called superhydrophobicity. Many factors such as liquid type, surface, and temperature will determine whether a surface/liquid combination results in a hydrophobic effect.  Students are encouraged to evaluate all the forces acting on the surface/liquid system and write inequalities that support the observations.

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Disponible en Español: Superhidrofobicidad: Un Balance Entre Fuerzas .

National Science Foundation

Researchers should cite this work as follows:

• Nano-Link Center for Nanotechnology Education, Thomas Deits, Kristi Jean, Deb Newberry (2020), "Superhydrophobicity: A Balance Between Forces," https://nanohub.org/resources/33174.

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1. ATE Centers
2. educator resources
3. English
4. forces and interactions
5. high school
6. hydrophobic
7. hydrophobicity
8. K-12
9. middle school
10. Nano-Link
11. Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
12. size and matter
13. surfaces