Who among the following discovered heavy water?
Reviewed by Dalvoy
UPSC Civil Services preparation
- AHeinrich Hertz
- BH. C. UreyCorrect
- CG. Mendel
- DJoseph Priestley
Explanation
The correct answer is B because Harold Clayton Urey, an American physical chemist, discovered deuterium in 1931. Deuterium is a heavy isotope of hydrogen, and when it combines with oxygen, it forms deuterium oxide, commonly known as heavy water. For this groundbreaking discovery, Urey was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1934.
The other options are incorrect because Heinrich Hertz is known for his work on electromagnetic waves, Gregor Mendel is the father of modern genetics, and Joseph Priestley is credited with the discovery of oxygen.
Related questions
More UPSC Prelims practice from the same subject and topic.
- Prelims 2008GS1science-and-technology
In the series AABABCABCDABCDE... which letter occupies the 100th position?
- Prelims 2008GS1science-and-technology
What is the number of terms in the series 117, 120, 123, 126, ..., 333?
- Prelims 2008GS1science-and-technology
A schoolteacher has to select the maximum possible number of different groups of 3 students out of a total of 6 students. In how many groups any particular student will be included?
- Prelims 2008GS1science-and-technology
Which one of the following Union Ministries is implementing the Biodiesel Mission (as Nodal Ministry)?
- Prelims 2008GS1science-and-technology
In which one of the following kinds of organisms is the phenomenon found wherein the female kills the male after copulation?
- Prelims 2008GS1science-and-technology
What is the pH level of blood of a normal person?