What is the molecular weight of Heavy Water?
- A. 22
- B. 20
- C. 18
- D. 16
Answer: B. 20
The molecular weight of heavy water, also known as deuterium oxide (D2O), is approximately 20.0276 g/mol.
Here’s how you can calculate it:
- Atomic mass of deuterium (D): 2.0141 g/mol
- Atomic mass of oxygen (O): 16.0000 g/mol
- Molecular formula of heavy water: D2O
- Molecular weight: 2 * 2.0141 g/mol (for two deuterium atoms) + 16.0000 g/mol (for one oxygen atom) = 20.0276 g/mol
Therefore, the molecular weight of heavy water is approximately 20.0276 g/mol.