The structure of water

Recall: water (H₂O) is a compound consisting of only two elements: one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms. Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen; therefore, polar covalent bonds hold the atoms within water molecules together. The oxygen atom pulls with greater force on the shared electrons with hydrogen, resulting in a partial negative charge (δ-) on the oxygen atom. Each of the hydrogen atoms possess partial positive charges (δ+). In a solution of pure water, the partial negative charge on the oxygen is attracted to the partial positive charges on other water molecules, forming hydrogen bonds between water molecules. The hydrogen bonds between water molecules are responsible for all the properties of water.

The properties of water include:

1. Cohesion
2. High heat capacity
3. Expansion upon freezing
4. Versatility as a solvent