Details
Where were the Windscale Piles
A. Shakhty, Russia
B. Cumbria, UK
C. Rumia, Poland
B. Cumbria, UK
The Windscale Pile is now located in Sellafield, in Cumbria, UK.
When was the Windscale Fire?
A. October 10, 1957
B. December 12, 1945
C. August 25, 1942
A. October 10, 1957
What is an isotope?
A. A process in which a specific element decomposes due to internal combustion during a reaction
B. A combination of different elements
C. A variant of a particular chemical element
C. A variant of a particular chemical element
How long did the fire last?
A. 9 hours
B. 4 hours
C. 3 days
C. 3 days
The Windscale Fire lasted for 3 days because of a combination of factors, including a rapid temperature increase in a reactor core, the initial failure of cooling systems, and the subsequent fanning of the flames by increased airflow
Was this the only incident that The Windscale Piles had?
A. Yes
B. No
B. No
There had been a series of radioactive discharges from the piles in the years leading up to the accident.
A. A process where two or more light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy
B. A nuclear reaction in which a heavy nucleus splits spontaneously or on impact with another particle, with the release of energy
B. A nuclear reaction in which a heavy nucleus splits spontaneously or on impact with another particle, with the release of energy
What was the severity level on the International Nuclear Event Scale?
A. 7
B. 2
C. 5
C. 5
The Windscale Fire was rated a 5 out of 7 because of the severe damage to the reactor core, a significant release of radioactive material, and the potential for widespread public exposure.
What organization was tasked with investigating the Windscale Fire?
A. United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
B. American Physical Society
C. American Association for the Advancement of Science
A. United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
Following the incident, this organization was tasked with investigating the Windscale Fire and its implications for nuclear safety.
What is Thyroid Cancer?
A. A disease where cancerous cells develop in the thyroid gland, a gland in the neck that produces hormones that control metabolism
B. A group of cancers that develop in the throat including the pharynx and the larynx
A. A disease where cancerous cells develop in the thyroid gland, a gland in the neck that produces hormones that control metabolism
What type of cancer did exposed personnel suffer from?
A. Thyroid Cancer
B. Liver Cancer
C. Lung Cancer
A. Thyroid Cancer
Cancer of the thyroid was a side effect of exposure to the radioactive isotope iodine-131, which was released after graphite control blocks got out of control.
What radioactive isotope was released?
A. Carbon-14
B. Iodine-131
C. Uranium-238
B. Iodine-131
As a result of the Windscale Fire, iodine-131 was released into the atmosphere, raising concerns about radiation exposure.
What is a graphite-moderated reactor?
A. A type of nuclear reactor that uses graphite as the moderator to slow down the neutrons
B. A type of nuclear reactor that uses graphite as the moderator to speed up the neutrons
A. A type of nuclear reactor that uses graphite as the moderator to slow down the neutrons
Why was The Windscale Piles built?
A. Post-War atomic bomb project
B. To cut down on C02 emission
C. To further scientific discoveries
A. Post-War atomic bomb project
The Windscale Piles were built in the mid-1940s to produce plutonium for the UK's nuclear weapons program. The aim was to produce plutonium for UK defence purposes.
What type of reactor caused the fire?
A. Fast neutron reactors
B. It wasn't caused by a reactor
C. Graphite-moderated reactor
C. Graphite-moderated reactor
This reactor was involved in the Windscale Fire, and it was one of the first of its kind in the UK.
What is iodine-131?
A. A radioactive isotope of used in medical treatments for thyroid-related conditions
B. The most abundant and naturally occurring isotopes of uranium, accounting for over 99% of the natural element.
A. A radioactive isotope of used in medical treatments for thyroid-related conditions