DP Chemistry (last assessment 2024)

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Question 20N.3.hl.TZ0.c

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Date November 2020 Marks available [Maximum mark: 2] Reference code 20N.3.hl.TZ0.c
Level hl Paper 3 Time zone TZ0
Command term Describe Question number c Adapted from N/A
c.
[Maximum mark: 2]
20N.3.hl.TZ0.c

Technetium-99m is the most commonly used isotope for diagnostic medicine.

Describe the proper disposal of low-level radioactive waste in hospitals.

[2]

Markscheme

store until material becomes inactive/radiation levels drop ✔

dispose with other waste
OR
dispose in landfills ✔


Only award M2 if M1 correct.

Accept “dispose by incineration” for M2.

Examiners report

Surprisingly, this question caught out several candidates and the marks varied from zero to one to two. To score full marks, candidates first had to state that the proper disposal of low-level radioactive waste (LLW) in hospitals involves storing the material until such time as radiation levels drop. Then the material can be disposed of in landfills for example. A number failed to outline the first point and some also mixed up LLW with HLW.

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