| Date | November 2010 | Marks available | 4 | Reference code | 10N.3.sl.TZ0.E4 |
| Level | SL | Paper | 3 | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Explain and State | Question number | E4 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Radioactive waste must be disposed of with care.
State what is meant by the term high-level radioactive waste.
(i) Explain why high-level waste should not be disposed of by landfill or incineration.
(ii) State the name of one method of disposal used for high-level waste and explain why such a method is better than landfill and incineration.
Markscheme
highly radioactive;
(i) landfill not advisable because radioactivity can leach/escape/leak (from rain water) / OWTTE;
incineration spreads radioactivity / OWTTE;
(ii) glasification / synroc / vitrification;
locks up radioactivity for the long term;
OR
ion exchange;
concentrates radioactive material for further treatment;
OR
transmutation;
waste is turned into safer isotopes;
Examiners report
Many candidates were able to score marks in (a) and (b)(i), but in (b)(ii) they could not clearly state the name and explain why the method of disposal of high-level waste is better.
Many candidates were able to score marks in (a) and (b)(i), but in (b)(ii) they could not clearly state the name and explain why the method of disposal of high-level waste is better.
