Which term refers to a substance that easily mixes with water?

The term that refers to a substance that easily mixes with water is hydrophilic. Substances classified as hydrophilic have an affinity for water molecules, which allows them to dissolve or mix thoroughly when combined with water. This characteristic is often due to the presence of polar functional groups within the molecule that can engage in hydrogen bonding with water.

In contrast, hydrophobic substances do not mix well with water; they repel water and are often nonpolar or lack the necessary functional groups to interact favorably with water. Hydroponic refers to a method of growing plants in nutrient-rich water instead of soil, which is unrelated to the solubility of substances in water. Understanding these terms is essential in fields like plant science, where the interactions of various substances with water significantly impact plant growth and nutrient uptake.