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How do water molecules act like "little magnets"?

Answer 1

Water molecules are polar in nature.

Water molecules are basically, #H_2O# molecules, which have bent shapes. Also, #O# atom is electronegative than #H# atom. So, the entire electron densities of the two hydrogen atoms get attracted towards the oxygen atom.
Thus a polarity develops in each #O-H# bonds, and thus, the water molecules are polar in nature and act like "little magnets".

Bent shape of water

Polar water molecule

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Answer 2

Henry Antrim

Water molecules act like "little magnets" because they are polar molecules, meaning they have a slightly positive charge on one end (hydrogen atoms) and a slightly negative charge on the other end (oxygen atom). This polarity allows water molecules to attract each other, forming hydrogen bonds between them, similar to how magnets attract each other due to their opposite poles.

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Answer from HIX Tutor

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