ATOMIC WASTES Meaning and
Definition
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Atomic wastes, also known as radioactive wastes, refers to the highly hazardous and potentially harmful materials that are produced as byproducts of nuclear reactions, such as nuclear power generation, nuclear weapons production, and other nuclear-related activities. These wastes possess intense radioactivity and remain dangerous to human health and the environment for extended periods.
Atomic wastes are typically composed of various radioactive elements that emit ionizing radiation, including alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. These elements may include plutonium, uranium, cesium, iodine, and strontium, among others. The radioactivity of atomic wastes can persist for hundreds to thousands of years, making them a significant concern due to their long-term impact on living organisms and ecosystems.
The disposal and management of atomic wastes present a tremendous challenge, as they require careful handling, containment, and isolation to prevent exposure to radiation. Several techniques and methods have been developed to mitigate the risks associated with these wastes, including deep geological repositories, vitrification, and transmutation.
Failure to appropriately manage atomic wastes can result in severe consequences, including contamination of air, water, and soil, causing detrimental effects on human health, ecosystems, and biodiversity. Therefore, ensuring safe storage, transportation, and disposal of atomic wastes is crucial for minimizing their potential harm and safeguarding the environment and future generations from the risks associated with radiation exposure.
Common Misspellings for ATOMIC WASTES
- atomik waste
- ztomic wastes
- stomic wastes
- wtomic wastes
- qtomic wastes
- aromic wastes
- afomic wastes
- agomic wastes
- ayomic wastes
- a6omic wastes
- a5omic wastes
- atimic wastes
- atkmic wastes
- atlmic wastes
- atpmic wastes
- at0mic wastes
- at9mic wastes
- atonic wastes
- atokic wastes
- atojic wastes
Etymology of ATOMIC WASTES
The word atomic comes from the Greek word atomos, meaning indivisible. It was coined by the ancient Greek philosopher Democritus to describe the smallest possible particle that makes up matter. The term atomic was later adopted to refer to elements and substances related to atoms.
The word waste has its origins in Old English, derived from the Proto-Germanic word wastjan, meaning to devastate or lay waste to. It has evolved over time to refer to unwanted or discarded materials, especially those produced by human activities.
When combined, the term atomic waste refers to the byproducts, residues, or materials created as a result of the use, production, or disposal of atomic or nuclear energy sources. The etymology of atomic wastes therefore involves the blending of the origin of atomic with the historical development of the word waste.
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