Question

The ruins of the Chernobyl reactor are enclosed in a huge concrete structure built around it after the accident. Some rain penetrates the building in winter, and radioactivity from the building increases. What does this imply is happening inside?

a) Nuclear reactions are occurring.

b) Radioactive decay is producing more particles.

c) The concrete structure is deteriorating.

d) Rainwater is causing contamination.

Answer 1

The increased radioactivity at Chernobyl when rain penetrates the reactor's sarcophagus suggests the concrete structure is deteriorating, potentially spreading existing radioactive contamination.

Step-by-step explanation:

The increase in radioactivity during the winter when rain penetrates the Chernobyl reactor sarcophagus indicates that the concrete structure keeping the radioactive materials contained is deteriorating. This can allow water to come into contact with radioactive material, possibly spreading contamination.

aIt does not necessarily imply that nuclear reactions are starting up again or that more radioactive particles are being produced beyond normal radioactive decay, which continues to happen. Instead, the increased radioactivity detected is likely due to the spread of already existing radioactive materials that are becoming more mobile due to the infiltration of water.