zwarewater

Zwarewater, or heavy water (D2O), is water in which the two hydrogen atoms are replaced by deuterium, an isotope with one neutron. This substitution increases the molecular mass and alters several properties, including a higher density and a different interaction with neutrons. Heavy water is chemically similar to ordinary water, but its physical and nuclear characteristics make it useful in specific applications.

Natural water contains only a small fraction of deuterium, about 0.015%. Heavy water is produced through isotopic separation using methods such as distillation, electrolysis, and chemical exchange processes (for example, the Girdler-Sulfide process). Because deuterium is relatively rare, heavy water is more expensive than ordinary water.

Major uses are in nuclear technology and science. In certain reactors, such as CANDU designs, heavy water acts as an efficient neutron moderator, slowing neutrons with lower absorption and allowing the use of natural or low-enriched uranium. It is also used in some research reactors and fusion experiments. In biochemistry and medical research, heavy water can serve as a tracer or isotopic label due to the incorporation of deuterium into biomolecules.

Safety and handling: heavy water is not radioactive by itself. Drinking small amounts is not considered highly dangerous, but large fractions can disrupt cellular processes due to isotope effects. Handling and production are subject to regulatory controls and standard chemical safety practices.

History: the identification of deuterium in the early 20th century led to the development of heavy-water production for research and reactor applications during the mid-20th century.