UPSC Prelims 2008 Q77: Science & Technology – Chemistry
Who among the following discovered heavy water?
- (a) Heinrich Hertz
- (b) H. C. Urey
- (c) G. Mendel
- (d) Joseph Priestley
Answer: (b) H. C. Urey
Explanation
Who discovered heavy water
This important scientific discovery, relevant to nuclear technology, is credited to a specific chemist.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Heinrich Hertz | Incorrect | Known for electromagnetic wave discoveries, not heavy water |
| (b) H.C. Urey | Correct | Harold C. Urey discovered heavy water (deuterium oxide), earning him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry |
| (c) G. Mendel | Incorrect | Known as the father of genetics, unrelated to heavy water |
| (d) Joseph Priestley | Incorrect | Known for discovering oxygen, unrelated to heavy water |
Heavy water discovery facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Discoverer | H.C. Urey |
| Recognition | Nobel Prize in Chemistry |
Answer: (b) H.C. Urey.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Heinrich Hertz is known for electromagnetic waves, not heavy water.
- (b) CORRECT. H.C. Urey discovered heavy water.
- (c) Incorrect. G. Mendel is known for genetics, unrelated to this discovery.
- (d) Incorrect. Joseph Priestley is known for discovering oxygen, unrelated to heavy water.
Key point
H.C. Urey discovered heavy water (deuterium oxide), earning him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Remember
H.C. Urey discovered heavy water.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Urey's heavy water discovery with unrelated scientists' famous contributions (Hertz, Mendel, Priestley).
- Not knowing the Nobel Prize in Chemistry recognition tied to this discovery.
- Mixing up different chemists'/physicists' distinct historical discoveries.
Exam tip
Heavy water (deuterium oxide) = discovered by H.C. Urey, a Nobel Prize-winning chemist.
Sources
- Nobel Prize — The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1934 (Harold C. Urey), press release
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Harold Urey