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Types of radiation – WJECNuclear waste disposal

Three subatomic particles have different charges and masses. Radioactive particles decay and release alpha, beta and gamma radiation - natural and artificial sources of background radiation.

Part of Physics (Single Science)Forces, space and radioactivity

Nuclear waste disposal

There are different categories of nuclear waste. Low-level radioactive waste, such as contaminated gloves, can be disposed of in landfill sites. Higher-level waste, which may be dangerously radioactive, is more difficult to dispose of. It can be reprocessed to extract nuclear fuel or encased in glass and left deep underground.

Nuclear waste categories

CategoryExamplesDisposal
Low levelContaminated equipment, materials and protective clothingDisposed of in drums and surrounded by concrete, and in clay-lined landfill sites
Intermediate levelComponents from nuclear reactors, radioactive sources used in medicine or researchMixed with concrete and put in a stainless steel drum in a purpose-built store
High levelUsed nuclear fuel and chemicals from reprocessing fuelsStored underwater in large pools for 20 years, then placed in storage casks in purpose-built underground stores where air can circulate to remove the heat produced. High-level waste decays into intermediate-level waste over many thousands of years.
CategoryLow level
ExamplesContaminated equipment, materials and protective clothing
DisposalDisposed of in drums and surrounded by concrete, and in clay-lined landfill sites
CategoryIntermediate level
ExamplesComponents from nuclear reactors, radioactive sources used in medicine or research
DisposalMixed with concrete and put in a stainless steel drum in a purpose-built store
CategoryHigh level
ExamplesUsed nuclear fuel and chemicals from reprocessing fuels
DisposalStored underwater in large pools for 20 years, then placed in storage casks in purpose-built underground stores where air can circulate to remove the heat produced. High-level waste decays into intermediate-level waste over many thousands of years.

Generating electricity using nuclear fusion

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