What is heavy water?
Q: What is heavy water?
A: Heavy water is a form of water based on deuterium, which has a larger than normal amount of the hydrogen isotope called deuterium (2H or D).
Q: How does heavy water differ from regular "light" water?
A: The presence of deuterium gives heavy water different nuclear properties, and its increased mass gives it different physical and chemical properties compared to regular light water.
Q: What are some uses for heavy water?
A: Heavy water is used as a neutron moderator in some nuclear reactors, such as CANDU reactors. It can also be used to allow the use of unenriched uranium as fuel.
Q: Is pure heavy water radioactive?
A: No, pure heavy water is not radioactive because deuterium is a stable isotope. However, if it has been through a nuclear reactor, it will be slightly radioactive.
Q: Can people survive with only heavy water instead of regular lightwater?
A: No, the chemistry of heavywater is different enough that people cannot survive with only this type of H2O in place of ordinary lightwater.
Q: Are small amounts of heavywater toxic to humans?
A: No, small amounts are not toxic to people and it is common for people to drink several grams without causing illness for metabolic experiments.
