Heavy water is not radioactive. In its pure form, it has a density about 11% greater than water, but is otherwise physically and chemically similar. Nevertheless, the various differences in deuterium-containing water (especially affecting the biological properties) are larger than in any other commonly occurring isotope-substituted compound because deuterium is unique among heavy stable isotopes in being twice as heavy as the lightest isotope. This difference increases the strength of water’s hydrogen-oxygen bonds, and this in turn is enough to cause differences that are important to some biochemical reactions. The human body naturally contains deuterium equivalent to about five grams of heavy water, which is harmless. When a large fraction of water (> 50%) in higher organisms is replaced by heavy water, the result is cell dysfunction and death.[6]
Heavy water was first produced in 1932, a few months after the discovery of deuterium.[7] With the discovery of nuclear fission in late 1938, and the need for a neutron moderator that captured few neutrons, heavy water became a component of early nuclear energy research. Since then, heavy water has been an essential component in some types of reactors, both those that generate power and those designed to produce isotopes for nuclear weapons. These heavy water reactors have the advantage of being able to run on natural uranium without using graphite moderators that pose radiological8 and dust explosion[9] hazards in the decommissioning phase. Most modern reactors use enriched uranium with ordinary water as the moderator.
Kinda strange, where did Bud Fisher ever get that idea? Fascination with nuclear energy in that era no doubt.
I’ve read that heavy water (i.e. D2O instead of H2O), while chemically similar to regular water, is not identical – the heaver D2O molecule slows down chemical reactions somewhat – causing nasty things like death, etc. if even 10% of the water in your body is replaced by D2O. So it’s probably best to avoid that stuff.
wiatr over 3 years ago
It should be rich in minerals, coming off the shingles.
Dean over 3 years ago
Heavy water is not radioactive. In its pure form, it has a density about 11% greater than water, but is otherwise physically and chemically similar. Nevertheless, the various differences in deuterium-containing water (especially affecting the biological properties) are larger than in any other commonly occurring isotope-substituted compound because deuterium is unique among heavy stable isotopes in being twice as heavy as the lightest isotope. This difference increases the strength of water’s hydrogen-oxygen bonds, and this in turn is enough to cause differences that are important to some biochemical reactions. The human body naturally contains deuterium equivalent to about five grams of heavy water, which is harmless. When a large fraction of water (> 50%) in higher organisms is replaced by heavy water, the result is cell dysfunction and death.[6]
Heavy water was first produced in 1932, a few months after the discovery of deuterium.[7] With the discovery of nuclear fission in late 1938, and the need for a neutron moderator that captured few neutrons, heavy water became a component of early nuclear energy research. Since then, heavy water has been an essential component in some types of reactors, both those that generate power and those designed to produce isotopes for nuclear weapons. These heavy water reactors have the advantage of being able to run on natural uranium without using graphite moderators that pose radiological8 and dust explosion[9] hazards in the decommissioning phase. Most modern reactors use enriched uranium with ordinary water as the moderator.
WIKI obviously.
VegaAlopex over 3 years ago
Heavy water is deuterium oxide and radioactive!
Skeptical Meg over 3 years ago
Heavy water (D2O) is not the same as hard water (water with minerals). Maybe they were synonymous in 1940.
Iseau over 3 years ago
Tritium 3H2O super- heavy water, is not good for you
CJ Flintstone over 3 years ago
Kinda strange, where did Bud Fisher ever get that idea? Fascination with nuclear energy in that era no doubt.
I’ve read that heavy water (i.e. D2O instead of H2O), while chemically similar to regular water, is not identical – the heaver D2O molecule slows down chemical reactions somewhat – causing nasty things like death, etc. if even 10% of the water in your body is replaced by D2O. So it’s probably best to avoid that stuff.
Glibster Premium Member over 3 years ago
Actually plain ol’ water is heavy water to compared to it’s frozen ice form.
Spiffy over 3 years ago
D20, huh? So does Homer Simpson’s nuclear reactor use DOH?
brklnbern over 3 years ago
Must have been pre-1944. Heavy water was used to make nuclear weapons then.
PuppyPapa over 3 years ago
Different meaning of heavy water . . .