Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on obtaining different variations of deuterium in water molecules, specifically exploring the potential for creating samples with distinct vibrational frequencies. Participants discuss the implications of mixing deuterium oxide (D2O) with regular water (H2O) and the resulting effects on molecular vibrations and biological applications.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
- Experimental/applied
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that while you can order D2O, obtaining specific permutations or semi-heavy water is complicated due to hydrogen's behavior in water molecules.
- There is a proposal that mixing D2O with H2O can create different vibrational states, but the exact outcomes depend on the proportions mixed.
- One participant questions whether diluting a sample of D2O would result in different molecular vibrations compared to a more concentrated sample.
- Another participant mentions that achieving distinct samples of D2O, H2O, and HDO with different vibrational states is theoretically possible but complicated by water dissociation.
- Some participants highlight that the application context matters; for example, the average effects of mixing D2O and H2O may differ depending on whether one is examining resonant frequencies or bulk properties like heat capacity.
- There is a discussion about the biological implications of using deuterium, particularly regarding its effects on the circadian rhythms of insects, and whether different vibrational frequencies would interact differently with biological systems.
- One participant emphasizes that resonant frequencies of water are very high and unlikely to affect biological clocks, suggesting that diffusion rates and the kinetic isotope effect are more relevant factors.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the feasibility of obtaining distinct samples with varying vibrational states. While some suggest that mixing can achieve this, others argue that the inherent properties of water and deuterium complicate the matter. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific methods to achieve the desired outcomes.
Contextual Notes
Limitations include the dependence on molecular behavior in mixtures, the complexities introduced by water dissociation, and the unresolved nature of how vibrational frequencies may impact biological systems.