Question

A solid which floats in $H_{2}O$, sinks in $D_{2}O$. Why?

• A. D is heavier
• B. D is more electropositive
• C. D is more electronegative
• D. D has 2 neutrons

Answer 1

The correct option is B

D is more electropositive

Deuterium $\left({}_1^{2}H\right)$ is more electropositive than hydrogen $\left({}_1^{1}H\right)$. Thus hydrogen bonding is stronger in $D_{2}O$ which implies that $D_{2}O$ is less dense as compared to $H_{2}O$.