Which thermodynamic factor MOST strongly drives nonpolar molecules to cluster (the hydrophobic effect)?
- A
Decreased temperature of the water
- B
Loss of all hydrogen bonds among water molecules
- Ccheck_circle
Increased entropy of surrounding water when nonpolar surface area is minimized
- D
Strong covalent bonds form between nonpolar molecules
Explanation
Around isolated nonpolar molecules, water forms ordered cages (low entropy). Clustering reduces total nonpolar-water interface and frees water to be disordered, raising entropy.