Question

How did the mission of the Hanford Site change beginning in 1989?

A. The Hanford Site began to produce uranium instead of plutonium.
B. The focus shifted from plutonium production to the cleanup of waste.
C. The plutonium was used as an energy source instead of as a material to build bombs.
D. The site expanded in size and scope to produce larger amounts of plutonium.

Answer 1

The Hanford Site's mission changed in 1989 from producing plutonium for nuclear weapons to focusing on cleaning up radioactive waste and environmental remediation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mission of the Hanford Site changed beginning in 1989 when the focus shifted from plutonium production to the cleanup of radioactive waste and environmental remediation. Previously, the Hanford Site was instrumental during the Manhattan Project and the Cold War for producing plutonium, which is a key material for nuclear weapons. Plutonium is easier to fission with neutrons, making it a superior fission material. However, as the threat of the Cold War subsided and concerns over nuclear waste and environmental impacts grew, the site transitioned to a cleanup role, addressing the contamination left behind from years of plutonium production. The correct answer to how the mission of the Hanford Site changed is option B: The focus shifted from plutonium production to the cleanup of waste.