What is the chemical formula for water?

The chemical formula for water is H2O, which indicates that each molecule of water is composed of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. This specific ratio is essential for understanding the properties of water, such as its ability to dissolve many substances and its high heat capacity. The presence of polar covalent bonds between the hydrogen and oxygen atoms gives water its unique characteristics, including its status as a universal solvent in biological and chemical contexts. Water's molecular structure also plays a vital role in phenomena such as surface tension and the behavior of water as a solid (ice) being less dense than its liquid form. Understanding this formula is foundational in chemistry and helps explain many of the interactions and reactions that involve water in various systems.