Question

Identify the incorrect statement regarding heavy water :

• A. It reacts with ${Al_4C_3}$ to produce ${CD_4}$ and ${Al(OD)_3}$.
• B. It is used as a coolant in nuclear reactors.
• C. It reacts with ${CaC_2}$ to produce ${C_2D_2}$ and ${Ca(OD)_2}$ .
• D. It reacts with ${SO_3}$ to form deuterated sulphuric acid ${(D_2SO_4)}$.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To identify the incorrect statement regarding heavy water (D₂O), we need to examine each option closely.

1.  It reacts with \({Al_4C_3}\) to produce \({CD_4}\) and \({Al(OD)_3}\):
   • This statement is correct. When aluminum carbide (\({Al_4C_3}\)) reacts with heavy water (D₂O), deuteromethane (\({CD_4}\)) and aluminum deuteroxide (\({Al(OD)_3}\)) are formed.
2. It is used as a coolant in nuclear reactors:
   • This statement is incorrect. Heavy water is primarily used as a neutron moderator in nuclear reactors, not as a coolant. Moderators slow down neutrons to sustain the nuclear chain reaction.
   • In nuclear reactors, other substances like light water or liquid metals are commonly used as coolants.
3. It reacts with \({CaC_2}\) to produce \({C_2D_2}\) and \({Ca(OD)_2}\):
   • This statement is correct. Calcium carbide (\({CaC_2}\)) reacts with heavy water to form deuterated acetylene (\({C_2D_2}\)) and calcium deuteroxide (\({Ca(OD)_2}\)).
4. It reacts with \({SO_3}\) to form deuterated sulphuric acid \({D_2SO_4}\):
   • This statement is correct. Sulfur trioxide (\({SO_3}\)) can react with D₂O to produce deuterated sulfuric acid (\({D_2SO_4}\)).

Therefore, the incorrect statement is: It is used as a coolant in nuclear reactors.