Describe the molecular structure of water, and explain why it is a polar molecule.

Answer:

Water (H2O) consists of two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to one oxygen atom. It is a polar molecule because oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, meaning it pulls the shared electrons more closely. This results in a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom and a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atoms. Additionally, the molecule's bent shape prevents these charges from canceling out, creating a net dipole.