Here's why:
* Oxygen has two lone pairs of electrons: These lone pairs repel the bonding pairs of electrons between oxygen and hydrogen, pushing the hydrogen atoms closer together.
* Bond angle: The angle between the two hydrogen atoms is approximately 104.5 degrees.
* Polarity: Due to the bent shape and the difference in electronegativity between oxygen and hydrogen, the molecule is polar, meaning it has a positive and negative end.
This bent shape is crucial to water's unique properties, such as its ability to form hydrogen bonds, which lead to its high boiling point, surface tension, and ability to act as a solvent.
