Deuterium
Deuterium
Deuterium (pronounced: /djuːˈtɪəriəm/), also known as heavy hydrogen, is one of two stable isotopes of hydrogen. It has a natural abundance in Earth's oceans of about one atom in 6420 of hydrogen.
Etymology
The term "deuterium" comes from the Greek word "deuteros" which means "second". This is in reference to the two particles, a proton and a neutron, that make up the nucleus of a deuterium atom.
Properties
Deuterium differs from the hydrogen usually found in that it has a neutron in its nucleus, while the more common isotope, protium, does not. This additional neutron gives deuterium a mass roughly twice that of regular hydrogen, hence the name "heavy hydrogen".
Uses
Deuterium is used in a variety of applications. It is used in nuclear fusion reactions, as a tracer in chemical reactions, and in the production of heavy water. Heavy water is used in certain types of nuclear reactors where it acts as a neutron moderator to slow down neutrons so that they are more likely to react with the fuel.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Deuterium
- Wikipedia's article - Deuterium
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