Final answer:
H₂O, or water, is a chemical compound consisting of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. It can exist in three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. Water is polar, has a constant hydrogen to oxygen ratio, and demonstrates various physical and chemical properties.
Step-by-step explanation:
Water, H₂O, is an example of a chemical compound. In a water molecule, two hydrogen atoms are bonded to one oxygen atom, forming a molecule. This molecule displays a polarity, with a partial negative charge near the oxygen atom and a partial positive charge near the hydrogen atoms. These states represent the three states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases. As a chemical compound, water has a constant ratio of hydrogen to oxygen, which is represented by the subscript in its chemical formula H₂O. Additionally, this compound displays physical properties such as appearance and density, as well as a chemical property of being able to form ions when subjected to an electric current.