Changes

== Properties ==

== Properties ==

Since deuterium is chemically identical to protium (normal hydrogen), heavy water generally behaves similarly to normal water; heavy water looks, feels, tastes, almost exactly like normal water. However, because a molecule of heavy water weighs more than a molecule of normal water, it freezes and boils at a slightly higher temperature than normal water. (Heavy water freezes at 3.8°[[Celsius|C]] and boils at 101.4°C, as opposed to 0°C and 100°C for normal water.)

Since deuterium is chemically identical to protium (normal hydrogen), heavy water generally behaves similarly to normal water; heavy water looks, feels, and tastes almost exactly the same as normal water. However, because a molecule of heavy water weighs more than a molecule of normal water, it freezes and boils at a slightly higher temperature than normal water. (Heavy water freezes at 3.8°[[Celsius|C]] and boils at 101.4°C, as opposed to 0°C and 100°C for normal water.)

Most living things cannot survive solely on a supply of heavy water. Many of the chemical reactions that occur in living things require absolute precision, in both amount of chemicals and the timing of their movement around various tissues. Heavy water, with its greater weight and, by extension, [[momentum]], does not allow these reactions to take place. Thus, while heavy water is not poisonous, it cannot support life on its own.

Most living things cannot survive solely on a supply of heavy water. Many of the chemical reactions that occur in living things require absolute precision, in both amount of chemicals and the timing of their movement around various tissues. Heavy water, with its greater weight and, by extension, [[momentum]], does not allow these reactions to take place. Thus, while heavy water is not poisonous, it cannot support life on its own.