Water is a polar molecule due to its uneven electron distribution between the oxygen and hydrogen atoms. This gives water special properties, including cohesion where water molecules stick to each other, and adhesion where water sticks to other surfaces. Water's polarity allows it to dissolve many other polar substances and gives it a high heat capacity and density maximum at 4°C. Soaps act as detergents by having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions that allow the soap to dissolve oils and dirt particles in water.