The chemical formula for water is **H₂O**. The **H** represents the element hydrogen, and the **O** represents the element oxygen. The subscript **2** indicates that there are two hydrogen atoms in each molecule of water.
Water is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid that is essential for life on Earth. It is the most abundant substance on Earth's surface and is found in oceans, rivers, lakes, and even underground². Water molecules are polar, meaning they have a positive charge on one end and a negative charge on the other. This polarity allows water to dissolve many substances, making it an excellent solvent².