Final answer:
The hydrogen and oxygen atoms in a water molecule are held together by covalent bonds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hydrogen and oxygen atoms in a water molecule are held together by covalent bonds. Covalent bonds are formed when two nonmetal atoms share a pair of electrons in order to achieve a more stable electron configuration.
In the case of water, each oxygen atom shares one pair of valence electrons with two hydrogen atoms, resulting in two covalent bonds that hold the water molecule together.