The graph above shows the radioactive decay of Cesium-137 ?that was produced in a power plant in 2011.
Which of the following can be determined from the data in the graph?
The year when the power plant started producing electricity
The total number of kilowatts that can be produced per year
The year when Cesium- 137 ?can be disposed of safely
?The amount of Cesium- 137 ?needed to produce electricity
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Based on the provided graph, the year when Cesium-137 can be disposed of safely can be determined from the data, assuming the graph shows the radioactive decay of Cesium-137 and its half-life over time.
Here’s why:
Cesium-137 is a radioactive isotope that decays over time, and its decay can be modeled with a characteristic half-life. The graph likely shows the amount of Cesium-137 remaining over time since its production in 2011. Radioactive decay is typically exponential, and the graph could indicate how much Cesium-137 remains at various points in time. To determine when Cesium-137 can be safely disposed of, one must know when its radioactivity has decreased to a level considered non-hazardous.
The key to answering this is understanding the half-life of Cesium-137, which is approximately 30 years. By using the graph and its time scale, we can estimate when the Cesium-137 concentration falls to a sufficiently safe level, based on regulatory standards. For example, the graph might indicate when only a small fraction of the original Cesium-137 remains, suggesting that it can be disposed of safely.
Explanation for other options:
- The year when the power plant started producing electricity: The graph likely shows radioactive decay rather than power generation data, so it cannot directly provide information about the start date of the plant’s operation.
- The total number of kilowatts that can be produced per year: This would require data about the plant’s power output, not radioactive decay. Such information would be shown on a different type of graph.
- The amount of Cesium-137 needed to produce electricity: This information is not typically shown in a decay graph. It would require details about the fuel cycle or power generation process at the plant, which isn’t represented in the graph showing only radioactive decay.
Therefore, the best answer is that the graph can help determine when Cesium-137 can be disposed of safely based on its decay over time.