Which chemical compound is known as heavy water and is commonly utilized as a moderator to slow down fast neutrons in nuclear reactors?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Heavy water consists of deuterium oxide, wherein stable deuterium isotopes replace standard hydrogen atoms to moderate fast neutrons efficiently in nuclear reactors without excessive absorption. Other options like hydrogen peroxide contain different molecular structures unsuited for moderating reactor neutron flux. Nuclear energy applications and isotope chemistry frequently feature in competitive science curricula.