Here's why:
* Polarity: Water molecules are polar, meaning they have a slightly positive end (the hydrogen atoms) and a slightly negative end (the oxygen atom).
* Hydrogen Bonds: The positive end of one water molecule is attracted to the negative end of another water molecule. This attraction is called a hydrogen bond.
Hydrogen bonds are relatively weak compared to covalent bonds, but they are important for the properties of water, including:
* High boiling point: Hydrogen bonds require a lot of energy to break, which is why water has a high boiling point.
* Surface tension: Hydrogen bonds give water its surface tension, allowing insects to walk on water.
* Solvent properties: Hydrogen bonds allow water to dissolve many substances, making it a good solvent.