Chemical formula for water is:

Question

Chemical formula for water is:

1. A. HO
2. B. H₂O (Correct answer)
3. C. H₃O
4. D. H₂O₂

Correct Answer

Option B — H₂O

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is H₂O.

Key Points

• Water is H₂O — two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to one oxygen atom.
• H₂O₂ is hydrogen peroxide, a different compound used as a disinfectant and bleaching agent; *HO* and *H₃O* are not the formula for water.

Additional Information

• The water molecule is bent, with a bond angle of about 104.5°, which makes it polar — the reason water is such an effective solvent.
• Hydrogen bonding between molecules explains water's high boiling point, high surface tension, and the fact that ice floats because it is less dense than liquid water.
• Water is densest at 4°C, a property that allows aquatic life to survive under frozen lakes.