* Structure: A water molecule (H₂O) has two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. The oxygen atom is more electronegative than the hydrogen atoms, meaning it attracts electrons more strongly. This creates a partial negative charge (δ-) on the oxygen atom and partial positive charges (δ+) on the hydrogen atoms.

* Shape: The molecule is bent, with the hydrogen atoms at an angle to the oxygen atom. This bent shape reinforces the uneven distribution of charges, making the molecule polar.

The polarity of water molecules is responsible for many of its unique properties, including:

* High boiling point: The strong hydrogen bonds between water molecules require a lot of energy to break, leading to a relatively high boiling point.

* Good solvent: Polar molecules like water can dissolve other polar molecules and ionic compounds, making water an excellent solvent.

* Surface tension: The strong attraction between water molecules creates a high surface tension, allowing things like insects to walk on water.