Question

what is the important of heavy water

Answer 1

Heavy water is largely used in the production of nuclear energy and a number of modern research experiments as given below:

1.As a Neutron moderator. In nuclear reactors, the high-speed neutrons are first passed through heavy water in order to slow down their speed.This helps in their capture by fissionable nuclei and release of nuclear energy.


2.For production of Deuterium. Heavy water is used for the production of deuterium and its compounds.

3.As a Tracer compound. It is used as a tracer compound for the study of the mechanism of chemical reactions and in biochemical reactions.

Answer 2

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 fissile uranium-235 than with uranium-238, which captures neutrons without fissioning. The CANDU reactor uses this design.