Highly radioactive waste is sometimes mixed with molten glass, which then cools and solidifies inside thick metal containers (a process known as vitrification) before being stored deep underground.
Why is the waste processed in this way?
It decreases the decay rate of the radioactive isotopes.
It reduces the half-life of the radioactive waste.
It immobilizes the radioactive materials in a stable solid structure to prevent them from leaking into groundwater.
It permits the heat generated by radioactive decay to be completely eliminated.
42 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 5.2.5 Effects of ionising radiation and safety precautions. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.