Question
On March 11, 2011, radioactive solopes were released into the environment during the nuclear accident at the Fukushima nuclear reactor in Japan. One of the isotopes released was cesam-137. The radioactive decay of cesium-137 is shown in the graph.
Decay of Ceslum-137
120
100
80
60
amount (percent)
40
20
م
50
100
150
time (years)
The graph supports which statement about nuclear power?
200
250
300
A. Wastes from all types of energy sources decay like nuclear radiation
B. Nuclear radiation can be disposed of anywhere because it naturally decays
C it is important for engineers to dispose of nuclear waste quickly so that it can begin to decay
D. Nuclear radiation can stay in the environment for decades because it can take a long time to decay
Decay of Ceslum-137
120
100
80
60
amount (percent)
40
20
م
50
100
150
time (years)
The graph supports which statement about nuclear power?
200
250
300
A. Wastes from all types of energy sources decay like nuclear radiation
B. Nuclear radiation can be disposed of anywhere because it naturally decays
C it is important for engineers to dispose of nuclear waste quickly so that it can begin to decay
D. Nuclear radiation can stay in the environment for decades because it can take a long time to decay
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The graph showing the decay of cesium-137 indicates that the radioactive isotope can take a significant amount of time to decay to safe levels. Based on the information provided, the best supported statement about nuclear power is:
**D. Nuclear radiation can stay in the environment for decades because it can take a long time to decay.**
This statement reflects the long half-life of certain isotopes, like cesium-137, and emphasizes the importance of understanding the longevity of radioactive waste in the environment.
**D. Nuclear radiation can stay in the environment for decades because it can take a long time to decay.**
This statement reflects the long half-life of certain isotopes, like cesium-137, and emphasizes the importance of understanding the longevity of radioactive waste in the environment.