Raskasveden

Raskasveden, also known as heavy water, is a form of water (H2O) in which the hydrogen atoms are replaced by deuterium. Deuterium is an isotope of hydrogen with a nucleus containing one proton and one neutron, unlike the common hydrogen isotope, protium, which has only a proton. This difference in mass gives heavy water its distinct properties.

The chemical formula for heavy water is D2O. It is a colorless, odorless liquid, similar in appearance to ordinary water. However, its density is slightly higher, approximately 10% greater than that of regular water. This increased density is a direct result of the heavier deuterium atoms.

Heavy water plays a significant role in nuclear reactor technology, particularly in certain types of nuclear reactors such as CANDU reactors. It is used as a neutron moderator, a substance that slows down fast neutrons produced during nuclear fission, making them more likely to cause further fission reactions. This moderating capability allows these reactors to operate using natural uranium as fuel, without the need for enriched uranium.

Apart from its use in nuclear reactors, heavy water is also employed in scientific research. Its unique properties make it useful as a tracer in hydrological studies and in various chemical and biological experiments where distinguishing between ordinary water and a heavier isotope is important. The production of heavy water is an energy-intensive process, typically involving isotopic separation techniques.