Water beads on a waxed car because wax is a hydrophobic, or water-hating, surface that causes droplets to contract to minimize contact[3]. Conversely, water spreads on clean glass because it is hydrophilic, or water-loving, meaning adhesive forces between the water and glass pull the liquid outward[3]. This behavior is determined by the contact angle: angles over 90 degrees indicate hydrophobic surfaces, while angles under 90 degrees signify wetting[3].
For practical applications, adding wetting agents to detergents lowers surface tension to help liquids penetrate surfaces[3]. Similarly, hydrophobic coatings protect fabrics and improve visibility on windshields by forcing water to bead and roll away[3].
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