Here's why:
* Polarity: Water molecules are polar, meaning they have a slightly positive end (near the hydrogen atoms) and a slightly negative end (near the oxygen atom).
* Hydrogen Bonds: The slightly positive hydrogen end of one water molecule is attracted to the slightly negative oxygen end of another water molecule. This attraction is called a hydrogen bond.
Hydrogen bonds are relatively weak compared to covalent bonds, but they are strong enough to hold water molecules together, giving water many of its unique properties:
* High boiling point: Water has a higher boiling point than many other liquids because hydrogen bonds need to be broken to change water from a liquid to a gas.
* High surface tension: Hydrogen bonds create a strong cohesive force between water molecules, giving water a high surface tension.
* Excellent solvent: The polarity of water molecules allows them to dissolve many substances.
So, the attraction between water molecules is a result of the polar nature of the molecules and the formation of hydrogen bonds.
