For How Many Years Should It Be Possible to Store

question 35

Multiple Choice

For how many years should it be possible to store radioactive waste if the fuel pellets in spent fuel rods are processed to remove the plutonium and the other very long-lived radioactive isotopes? 

• A) about 100 years 
• B) about 1 000 years 
• C) about 10 000 years 
• D) about 100 000 years

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Definitions:

Conservation

The principle in cognitive development that recognizes the ability to understand that redistributing material does not affect its mass, number, or volume.

Egocentrism

A cognitive bias where an individual is unable to differentiate between their own perspective and that of others.

Theory Of Mind

The ability to attribute mental states—beliefs, intents, desires, emotions, knowledge—to oneself and others and to understand that others have beliefs, desires, and intentions that are different from one's own.

Sensorimotor Stage

The first stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development, covering the period from birth to about 2 years of age, where infants learn through interacting with their environment.