Question

What is the boiling point of heavy water?

• A. 100.4\(^\circ\)C
• B. 101.4\(^\circ\)C
• C. 273\(^\circ\)C
• D. 100\(^\circ\)C

Hint:

Heavy water (D\(_2\)O) has a higher boiling point than regular water due to the presence of deuterium, which is heavier than regular hydrogen.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding Heavy Water.
Heavy water (D\(_2\)O) is water in which both hydrogen atoms are replaced by deuterium, a heavier isotope of hydrogen. This slight difference in mass increases the boiling point compared to regular water (H\(_2\)O). The boiling point of heavy water is 101.4\(^\circ\)C, while the boiling point of regular water is 100\(^\circ\)C.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) 100.4\(^\circ\)C: Incorrect. This is close to the boiling point of regular water, but not the boiling point of heavy water.
(B) 101.4\(^\circ\)C: Correct. This is the correct boiling point of heavy water.
(C) 273\(^\circ\)C: Incorrect. This is far too high and does not correspond to any known form of water.
(D) 100\(^\circ\)C: Incorrect. This is the boiling point of regular water, not heavy water.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The boiling point of heavy water is 101.4\(^\circ\)C, corresponding to option (B).