Deuterium

/djuːˈtɪriəm/ noun

Definition

A rare form of hydrogen with one extra neutron in its nucleus, making it about twice as heavy as normal hydrogen; also called heavy hydrogen.

Etymology

From Greek 'deuteros' meaning second, because it's the second isotope of hydrogen after regular hydrogen. Named by chemist Harold Urey who discovered it in 1932.

Kelly Says

Scientists can track where water comes from—whether it's from rain, the ocean, or underground springs—by measuring its deuterium levels, like a fingerprint for water molecules!

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