Question detail
What is a potential long-term hazard of using a radioactive isotope with a very long half-life?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions and of background radiation
Question
- A. It decays too quickly to be useful.
- B. It remains radioactive for an extended period, increasing exposure risk.
- C. It is less likely to be detected in medical applications.
- D. It has a lower ionising power than isotopes with short half-lives.
Answer
The correct answer is B: It remains radioactive for an extended period, increasing exposure risk..
Explanation
The correct answer is B: It remains radioactive for an extended period, increasing exposure risk.. This supports the learning objective "Explain why a very long half-life can increase long-term hazard." in Different half-lives of radioactive isotopes because it uses the correct atomic and nuclear radiation relationship for Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions and of background radiation. The other options are less suitable because they do not match the required Different half-lives of radioactive isotopes idea: It decays too quickly to be useful.; It is less likely to be detected in medical applications.; It has a lower ionising power than isotopes with short half-lives..
Common mistake
Long Half-Life Misunderstanding
Students often confuse a long half-life with a low hazard, thinking it means less risk over time.
Emphasize that a long half-life means the radioactive material remains active and potentially hazardous for a longer duration, increasing long-term risk.
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