What is the molecular formula for water?

The molecular formula for water is H₂O, which indicates that each molecule of water consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. This formula reflects the essential composition of water, highlighting the relationship between the hydrogen and oxygen elements that combine to form this essential substance for life.

Water's molecular structure is crucial for its unique properties, such as being a solvent for many substances and its high specific heat capacity, contributing to the regulation of temperature in natural environments. The presence of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom gives water its polar nature, which plays a significant role in its interactions with other molecules.

The other choices represent different compounds: CO₂ is carbon dioxide with one carbon and two oxygen atoms, NaCl is sodium chloride which consists of sodium and chlorine ions, and H₂SO₄ is sulfuric acid comprising two hydrogen atoms, one sulfur atom, and four oxygen atoms. Each of these compounds has a different molecular structure and properties, making H₂O distinct as the molecular representation of water.