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Do you think that heavy water can be used for drinking purposes ? |
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Answer» Solution :(i) The chemical reactions shown by WATER and heavy water are nearly identical. (ii) However, due to differences in masses of hydrogen and deuterium, such reactions OCCUR at different rates. (iii) The rates of reaction involving `D_2O` are slower than those involving `H_2O`. (iv) If `D_2O` is consumed, the enzyme catalysed BIOCHEMICAL reaction will occur slower than their optimum rate. (v) The enzymes may then lose their ability to catalyse a biochemical reaction. (vi) THUS heavy water will interface and DISTURB the biological process and hence it is not suitable for drinking purpose. |
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