Heavy Water
Chapter Name : Hydrogen |
Sub Topic Code : 102_11_09_08_01 |
Topic Name : Heavy Water |
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Sub Topic Name : Heavy Water |
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Introduction
• Heavy water is a form of water that contains a large amount of hydrogen isotope deuterium. It is formally called as deuterium oxide (D2O). • It can be prepared by exhaustive electrolysis of water or can be obtained as a by-product in fertilizer industries. • It is used as a moderator in nuclear reactors and for study of reaction mechanisms. It is also used for production of other deuterium compounds.
Pre-Requisites:
• Isotopes of hydrogen
Activity:
Heavy water is found in nature, though very rarely. An ice cube of heavy water costs around 100$.
Real Life Question:
How to calculate
metabolic rate in humans using heavy water?
Key Words / FlashCards
| Key Words | Definitions (pref. in our own words) |
|---|---|
| Deuterium isotope | Deuterium is a stable isotope of hydrogen; it contains 1 neutron and 1 proton. |
| Heavy water | It is a form of water that contains a large amount of hydrogen isotope deuterium. |
Learning aids / Gadgets
| Gadgets | How it can be used |
|---|---|
| NCERT textbook | Read the properties of Heavy water (table 9.3). |
Real life uses :
Used as a moderator in nuclear reactors.
Places to visit :
Pathological lab
Practical examples around us
| Examples | Explainations |
|---|---|
| Heavy water is employed as part of a mixture with H218O for a common and safe test of mean metabolic rate in humans and animals undergoing their normal activities |
What you learn in Theory:
Composition and applications of heavy water.
What you learn in Practice:
Application of heavy water in nuclear reactors.