Question

Deuterium differs from hydrogen
A. Chemical properties
B. Physical properties
C. Both physical and chemical properties
D. Radioactive properties

Answer 1

As we know that isotopes of an element have the same number of protons but have different number of neutrons. It is found that the element hydrogen has three naturally occurring isotopes, that are protium (which is called as hydrogen), deuterium and tritium.

Complete Solution :
- Let’s discuss about hydrogen and deuterium –
- Firstly let’s discuss about hydrogen:
Hydrogen is having an abundance of about more than 99.9 %. It is found that the nucleus of the hydrogen atom consists of one proton only and no neutrons are present. This is the reason why it is given the name ‘protium’. And the atomic symbol is ${}^{1}H$. It is found that the mass of this is 1.007825. Hydrogen is found in combination with other elements or in the form of gas.
It is found that hydrogen-hydrogen bond is very strong and also has a bond dissociation energy of 435.88 KJ$mo{{l}^{-}}$
- Now let’s discuss about deuterium:
Deuterium is found to be the most stable isotope of hydrogen. And it is found that it accounts for about 0.02 % of hydrogen occurring in oceans. Its mass is found to be twice the mass that of protium.
So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Note: - We should note that deuterium is not radioactive and is also used in ${}^{1}H$ NMR spectroscopy. It is also found that water that contains deuterium instead of hydrogen is called heavy water.