Here's why:
* Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen: This means oxygen attracts the shared electrons in the O-H bonds more strongly, creating a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom (δ-) and partial positive charges on the hydrogen atoms (δ+).
* Bent molecular geometry: The two O-H bonds in water are bent, creating an uneven distribution of charge. This bent shape, along with the polar bonds, results in a net dipole moment, making the molecule polar.
In summary: The uneven distribution of electrons due to the difference in electronegativity between oxygen and hydrogen, coupled with the bent molecular shape, makes water a polar molecule.