Final answer:
Water molecules are polar and have a bent shape. They can form hydrogen bonds with each other, which gives water its unique properties. Water's ability to form hydrogen bonds also affects its states and its biological relevance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Water molecules are composed of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. These molecules have a bent shape and are polar, with a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom and a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atoms. One of the important aspects of water's molecular structure is its ability to form hydrogen bonds.
In the liquid state, water molecules constantly form and break hydrogen bonds with each other as they move. This allows water to flow and have unique chemical properties compared to other liquids. As water is cooled and freezes into ice, the hydrogen bonds become more rigid, creating a well-defined network with gaps. This crystal lattice structure of ice makes it less dense than liquid water, causing it to float. This is a property not commonly seen in other substances when they solidify.
The ability of water molecules to form hydrogen bonds also plays a crucial role in biological structures, such as proteins and nucleic acids. Water's unique properties as a molecule are important for understanding its states and its impact on life.