Chapter 19, Problem 54A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Some of the problems associated with storage and disposal of the waste products of the nuclear industry must be discussed.

Concept Introduction:

Nuclear industry uses radioactive materials for the generation of electricity. One such material is Uranium.

Answer to Problem 54A

Radioactive rays like alpha, beta and gamma rays are harmful for health. So storage and disposal of waste products of the nuclear industry is dangerous.

Explanation of Solution

Radioactivity of a material can’t be finished as it is a first order kinetics. So waste materials of nuclear industry may contain residual radioactivity. During storage and disposal there is high chance of radioactive pollution in which radioactivity may spread everywhere. Staying long time in that environment may cause many change in our nucleic acid sequences leading to mutations. This is because radioactive rays like alpha, beta and gamma rays have penetration power and ionizing power.