What type of bond holds the atoms in a water molecule together?

In a water molecule, the atoms are held together by a covalent bond. This type of bond occurs when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons. In the case of water, each hydrogen atom shares an electron with the oxygen atom, leading to a stable molecule with the chemical formula H₂O.

Covalent bonds result from the interactions between atoms that have similar electronegativities, which allows them to share electrons effectively. This sharing of electrons leads to the formation of a strong bond between the hydrogen and oxygen atoms in water. As a result, the molecule possesses distinct properties such as its polarity and ability to form hydrogen bonds with other water molecules, which are crucial for many of water's unique characteristics.

Understanding the nature of covalent bonds is fundamental in chemistry because it sets the foundation for discussing how different molecules interact and bond in various chemical reactions.