Understanding Radioactive Waste and Its Implications

The video explains how nuclear power stations produce electricity and generate radioactive waste. It distinguishes between irradiation and contamination, highlighting their risks and uses, such as in cancer treatment and medical diagnostics. The concept of half-lives is introduced to explain how radioactive waste decreases over time. Background radiation is discussed, emphasizing its low risk compared to some radioactive wastes. The video concludes by considering the factors affecting the harm of radioactive waste.

What is one of the primary sources of radioactive waste?

• Solar power stations

• Wind farms

• Nuclear power stations

• Hydroelectric dams

How does irradiation differ from contamination?

• Irradiation involves direct contact with radioactive material.

• Contamination is always beneficial.

• Irradiation occurs without direct contact with the radioactive source.

• Contamination involves no contact with radioactive material.

Which of the following is a beneficial use of irradiation?

• Increasing food shelf life

• Causing cancer

• Polluting water sources

• Generating electricity

What happens when a person is contaminated with radioactive material?

• They become immune to radiation.

• They are not at risk of any harm.

• They carry the radioactive source with them.

• They are exposed for a shorter period.

In what way is contamination used in medicine?

• To sterilize surgical tools

• To treat cancer

• To detect blockages in the body

• To increase blood pressure

What does the half-life of a radioactive substance indicate?

• The time it takes for the substance to become more hazardous

• The time it takes for the substance to become non-radioactive

• The time it takes for half of the substance to decay

• The time it takes for the substance to double in mass

How much radioactive waste remains after two half-lives if you start with 1 kg?

• 500 grams

• 1 kg

• 125 grams

• 250 grams

Why are isotopes with short half-lives used in medical contamination?

• They are cheaper to produce.

• They are more dangerous.

• They remain active for a long time.

• They reduce risk levels quickly.

What is a characteristic of background radiation?

• It is only from artificial sources.

• It is extremely harmful.

• It is low in magnitude.

• It is only from natural sources.

What determines the harm level of radioactive waste?

• The color of the waste

• The half-life of the waste

• The temperature of the waste

• The size of the waste