Harmful chemical spills can often be cleaned up by treatment with another chemical. For example, a spill of H 2 SO 4 might be neutralized by addition of NaHCO 3 . Why is it that the harmful radioactive wastes from nuclear power plants cannot be cleaned up as easily?

Welcome back. Everyone in a chemical laboratory, a way to handle a chemical spill such as a spill of a strong acid like hydrochloric acid is to neutralize it with a weak base like sodium bicarbonate. We need to explain why harmful radioactive wastes from nuclear plants cannot be cleaned up as easily as cleaning up chemical spills. So in choice, a it states that nuclear reactions are spontaneous, radioactive waste from nuclear plants cannot be chemically neutralized since no substance can react with them. Then in choice B it states that nuclear reactions are non spontaneous and radioactive wastes from nuclear plants cannot be chemically neutralized since there is no substance that can react with them. And then in choice C it states that nuclear reactions are spontaneous and radioactive wastes from nuclear plants cannot be acidified since no substance can react with them. And then in choice D it states that nuclear reactions are non spontaneous and radioactive wastes from nuclear plants cannot be acidified since no substance can react with them. Let's begin by recalling some facts. Our first fact is going to be with regard to a nucleus and its stability. So let's recall that for a nucleus to attain stability. It will undergo a nuclear reaction in which we have the release of protons which will express as capital P and or neutrons, which will express as capital M N sorry spontaneously. So this is a spontaneous release of protons and neutrons. We can also recall that with regards to radioactive waste hazards, even just a low dose has been proven to lead to nausea as well as vomiting followed by even a decrease in white blood cells over long-term exposure. And we also want to recall that for just a high dose of radioactive waste, we can undergo the following risks where we can have hemorrhaging. We can also experience death ultimately. And with regards to high doses of radioactive waste, we can also undergo dangerous cleanup due to these risks. Now, with regard to nuclear reactions, we want to recall that nuclear reactions are actually spontaneous. And we're going to also recall that for radioactive wastes, which we use as R W s for shorthand are not chemically neutralized and nuclear reactions. And due to the fact that radioactive wastes are not chemically neutralized, we would say that therefore there are no suitable reactants in nuclear reactions. And based on what we've outlined, we can instantly rule out our answer choices which state that nuclear reactions are non spontaneous, which would be choice B as well as choice D. And that leaves us between choice A and C in which as we stated, below radioactive wastes and nuclear reactions are not chemically neutralized. And so therefore, there's no suitable reactants. And so because toy C states that radioactive waste cannot be acidified, we would rule out choice c because our focus is that radioactive wastes cannot be chemically neutralized. And so our final answer is going to be choice. A which explains why harmful radioactive wastes from nuclear plants can't be cleaned up as easily as cleaning up chemical spills. Due to the fact that nuclear reactions are spontaneous and radioactive wastes from nuclear plants cannot be chemically neutralized since no substance can react with them. So a is our final answer. I hope this made sense and let us know if you have any questions.

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1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
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23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

11. Nuclear Chemistry

Radioactive Half-Life

GOB Chemistry

11. Nuclear Chemistry

Radioactive Half-Life

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Problem 72

Textbook Question

Harmful chemical spills can often be cleaned up by treatment with another chemical. For example, a spill of H₂SO₄ might be neutralized by addition of NaHCO₃. Why is it that the harmful radioactive wastes from nuclear power plants cannot be cleaned up as easily?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the nature of the problem: Neutralizing H₂SO₄ with NaHCO₃ is a chemical reaction where the acid (H₂SO₄) reacts with the base (NaHCO₃) to form water, carbon dioxide, and a salt (Na₂SO₄). This is a straightforward acid-base neutralization reaction.

Recognize the difference in the nature of radioactive waste: Radioactive waste is not a chemical hazard in the same way as H₂SO₄. Instead, it is a radiological hazard, meaning it emits ionizing radiation that can damage living tissues and DNA. This hazard cannot be neutralized by a simple chemical reaction.

Consider the persistence of radioactive materials: Radioactive isotopes decay over time, but this process is governed by their half-lives, which can range from seconds to thousands of years. This means the waste remains hazardous for a long time, unlike a chemical spill that can be neutralized quickly.

Acknowledge the complexity of radioactive waste: Radioactive waste often contains a mixture of isotopes, each with different properties and decay rates. Managing this waste requires specialized containment and shielding to prevent radiation exposure, rather than a chemical cleanup.

Conclude why radioactive waste cannot be cleaned up easily: Unlike chemical spills, radioactive waste requires long-term management strategies, such as secure storage, containment, and monitoring, rather than a one-time chemical treatment. This is due to its radiological nature and long-lasting hazard.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Chemical Neutralization

Chemical neutralization is a process where an acid and a base react to form water and a salt, effectively reducing the harmful effects of the acid. For instance, sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) can be neutralized by sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), resulting in less harmful products. This method is effective for many chemical spills, but it relies on the specific properties of the chemicals involved.

Radioactive Waste

Radioactive waste consists of materials that are radioactive and can remain hazardous for thousands of years. Unlike typical chemical spills, radioactive waste cannot be neutralized through simple chemical reactions. The isotopes present in radioactive waste decay over time, but their harmful effects can persist, necessitating complex management and disposal strategies.

Environmental Impact and Containment

The environmental impact of radioactive waste is significant, as it poses long-term risks to human health and ecosystems. Containment strategies, such as deep geological storage, are essential to prevent the release of radiation into the environment. Unlike chemical spills that can often be cleaned up quickly, radioactive waste requires careful planning and monitoring to ensure safety over extended periods.

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