How many hydrogen atoms are present for every oxygen atom in a water molecule?

In a water molecule, the chemical formula is H₂O, where "H" represents hydrogen and "O" represents oxygen. The subscript "2" indicates that there are two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom.

This configuration arises because each oxygen atom can form two bonds due to its need for two additional electrons to complete its outer electron shell, while each hydrogen atom can form only one bond. Thus, in water, each oxygen is bonded to two hydrogen atoms, demonstrating that for every one oxygen atom, there are indeed two hydrogen atoms. This understanding is fundamental to the molecular structure of water and is essential in various scientific contexts, such as chemistry and biology, where water plays a critical role.