The Water Molecule

A water molecule is made of one oxygen (O) atom and two hydrogen (H) atoms joined together by a chemical bond. The molecule is arranged so that both hydrogen atoms are on the same side of the oxygen atom.

The water molecule's special polar arrangement gives water its many unique properties. Polar molecules like water tend to cling together, which scientists call cohesion. Another of water's fascinating characteristics is surface tension, which we see as the thin layer of bonded molecules forming the water's surface on which walk small organisms like the water strider. As a universal solvent, water molecules are also attracted to other polar molecules, such as salts, causing these molecules to break apart, or dissolve. Finally, on a hot summer's day, you enjoy water's special ability to form a solid — called ice — which, in addition to liquid and gas forms, is one of the three different states of matter in which water exists.