Definition

A type of hydrogen atom that has one proton and one neutron in its nucleus, making it heavier than regular hydrogen.

Example

Deuterium is often used in nuclear fusion experiments due to its unique properties.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of deuterium?

Yeah, isn't it an isotope of hydrogen?

Exactly! It has one proton and one neutron in its nucleus.

That's pretty cool! I didn't know it had twice the mass of regular hydrogen.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Deuterium → It is formed from "deutero-" (from Greek "deuteros", meaning second) and "-ium" (a suffix used in chemistry to denote an element). The word "deuterium" refers to the second isotope of hydrogen, indicating its position as a heavier form of hydrogen.

Memory Tip

Think of 'second' ('deutero-') to remember that deuterium is the second isotope of hydrogen, making it a heavier version of the element.

Visually Confused Words