In the molecular structure of water, how many hydrogen atoms are bound to one oxygen atom?

In the molecular structure of water, each water molecule consists of one oxygen atom covalently bonded to two hydrogen atoms. This formation occurs due to oxygen's need to satisfy its valency by forming bonds with other elements. Oxygen has six electrons in its outer shell and needs two more to achieve a stable configuration (the octet rule), which it acquires by forming two bonds with two hydrogen atoms, each providing one electron.

This results in the molecular formula for water, H₂O, where the "2" indicates that there are two hydrogen atoms bonded to the single oxygen atom. This arrangement is critical not only to the chemical properties of water but also to its unique physical properties, such as its high boiling point and surface tension.