Final answer:
Water molecules have a high dipole moment due to the bent shape of the molecule and the difference in electronegativity between H and O atoms, which creates a strong molecular dipole capable of forming hydrogen bonds.
Step-by-step explanation:
Water molecules have a relatively high dipole moment because of the molecule's asymmetric bent shape and the difference in electronegativity between hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) atoms. In a water molecule (H2O), the oxygen atom is more electronegative, and therefore, it draws more electron density towards itself, leaving the hydrogen atoms with a partial positive charge and creating a significant separation of charge within the molecule.
This charge imbalance leads to the formation of a strong molecular dipole with the negative end at the oxygen atom and the positive end at the hydrogen atoms. Water's ability to form hydrogen bonds—an unusually strong type of dipole-dipole interaction—further contributes to its high dipole moment. These interactions are crucial for water's unique properties such as its high boiling point, solvent abilities, and expansion upon freezing.