In chemistry, H₂O is the chemical formula for water.
Chemical Formula and Composition
The chemical formula H₂O precisely describes the composition of a single molecule of water. According to chemical information sources, the formula H₂O signifies that a water molecule consists of:
- Two hydrogen atoms (represented by 'H')
- One oxygen atom (represented by 'O')
These atoms are chemically bonded together. The subscript '2' next to the 'H' indicates the number of hydrogen atoms, while the absence of a subscript next to the 'O' implies there is only one oxygen atom.
Here's a simple breakdown of the composition:
| Element | Chemical Symbol | Number of Atoms |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrogen | H | 2 |
| Oxygen | O | 1 |
Chemical Names for H₂O
While commonly known as water, H₂O also has formal chemical names based on its elemental composition. According to chemical nomenclature standards derived from its formula, the chemical name for water is dihydrogen oxide. Another recognized name for water is oxidane. Both names accurately reflect the elements present in the molecule.
H₂O represents the fundamental building block of water, a vital substance for life on Earth, participating in countless chemical reactions and acting as a universal solvent.
