Question

Some statements about heavy water are given below.

$\left(\mathrm{a}\right)$Heavy water is more associated than ordinary water

$\left(\mathrm{b}\right)$Heavy water is used as moderators in nuclear reactors

$\left(\mathrm{c}\right)$ Heavy water is a more effective solvent than ordinary water.

Which of the above statements are correct?

Answer 1

Identifying the correct statements about heavy water:

Part (a): Heavy water is more associated than ordinary water

• Heavy water (${\mathrm{D}}_2\mathrm{O}$) is basically deuterium-based water. Deuterium oxide is another name for it. Deuterium is a hydrogen isotope with twice the mass of regular hydrogen.
• Heavy water has a higher boiling point ($374.42\mathrm{K}$) than regular water ($373\mathrm{K}$), hence it is more associated.

Part (b): Heavy water is used as a moderator in nuclear reactors

• In some types of nuclear reactors, It is utilized as a neutron moderator. It aids in the slowing of neutrons, increasing the probability of them reacting with fissile uranium$-235$ rather than uranium$-238$. This, in turn, helps in the capture of neutrons without the need for fission.
• Hence, it is the correct statement.