| Symbol | 2H |
| Universe | |
| Abundance | |
| Stability | Extremely unstable |
| Isotope of | Hydrogen |
| Applications | Nuclear weapons • Airships • Submarines • Industrial machinery |
| Energy potential | Vast |
| Alternative energy |
Deuterium is a stable isotope of hydrogen, found in this alternate universe in the same abundances as real-world hydrogen. It possesses one neutron and one proton, in contrast to typical hydrogen, which has one proton and no neutrons. Despite this similarity, a significant difference in this reality is the unstable nature of deuterium. This instability drastically changes the potential applications of deuterium when compared to its real-world counterpart.
Deuterium was first discovered in the early 1900s by this universe's equivalent of Harold Urey, following the development of similar discovery techniques used in the real world. Its energy potential, despite being vast, remained largely untapped due to stability concerns.
Mid-century advancements in nuclear physics saw the weaponization of deuterium, which led to an increased focus on using it in nuclear weapons but very limited civilian applications due to volatility. Deuterium has primarily featured in nuclear fusion bombs, also known as hydrogen bombs.
As mentioned, the instability of deuterium makes it less appealing as a fuel source for widespread applications. Cautious steps have been taken throughout this alternate universe to harness its energy for specific uses, such as in airships, submarines, and industrial machinery.
Helium, the primary element found in deuterium when undergoing nuclear fusion, has subsequently taken the lead as a useful and safer energy source and fuel. The relatively stable nature of helium gives it an advantage over deuterium, leading to a wide range of applications that extend from industrial machinery to broader power needs.
In real-world terminology, deuterium in this alternate universe still shows promise in nuclear fusion, where the fusion of deuterium with tritium results in helium nuclei and energy release. However, despite being theoretically possible, nuclear fusion's volatile properties and challenges have kept practical development at bay.
Various research initiatives are underway for this unstable isotope, with some efforts focused on mastering and stabilizing controlled nuclear fusion for energy production. This would harness the potential of deuterium to provide an eco-friendly and sustainable power source, as in the real world. But given the inherent challenges of working with an unstable isotope, progress in the alternate universe has been slow.
In summary, deuterium in this alternate universe is an energy-rich yet unstable isotope of hydrogen. It has primarily been weaponized in nuclear fusion bombs and limited civilian uses. The energy potential of deuterium would be tremendous if stability issues could be overcome - similarly to real-world applications of deuterium. Yet, a wider focus on helium as a power source further highlights the challenges faced in this universe.
