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Different elements have different electro-negativities. Electro-negativity is the ability of an atom to withdraw 'electron density' towards itself, i.e. it makes electrons come closer to it.

Fluorine is the most electronegative of the elements.

Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen and so in water (H2O) the oxygen 'pulls' the electrons closer to itself and become slightly negative, and the hydrogen's slightly positive, this is called a permanent dipole.

Due to this effect water has many properties that make it unusual and important to living things.

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