* Oxygen (O): Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen. This means it has a stronger pull on the shared electrons in the O-H bonds. As a result, the oxygen atom develops a partial negative charge (δ-).

* Hydrogen (H): Because the electrons spend more time near the oxygen, the hydrogen atoms each develop a partial positive charge (δ+).

Why does this matter?

These partial charges make water a polar molecule:

* Dipole Moment: The uneven distribution of charge creates a dipole moment, meaning the molecule has a positive and a negative end. This makes water an excellent solvent, allowing it to dissolve many polar substances.

* Hydrogen Bonding: The partial charges allow water molecules to form hydrogen bonds with each other, contributing to its high boiling point, surface tension, and other unique properties.

Let me know if you'd like to explore any of these points in more detail!