If a radioactive element has a half-life of 120 days or less, what disposal method is appropriate?

For radioactive elements with a half-life of 120 days or less, the most appropriate disposal method is storing and decaying. This approach allows the radioactive material to naturally decrease in radioactivity over time, as it undergoes decay. The relatively short half-life means that the element will lose its radioactivity relatively quickly compared to those with longer half-lives.

Storing and decaying provides a safe method to manage the material until it reaches a level where it is no longer considered hazardous. This method is particularly effective for short-lived radionuclides, as they will decay to stable isotopes relatively swiftly, minimizing environmental and health risks. It's crucial to properly monitor and manage the storage conditions to ensure safety during the decay process.

In this context, other disposal methods may not be suitable due to factors such as the potential for harmful emissions or the environmental impact of long-term containment. For instance, incineration may pose risks of releasing radioactive particles into the atmosphere, while concentrating and burying could lead to future environmental contamination if the material has not sufficiently decayed. Dispersal is typically inappropriate for radioactive materials as it can lead to widespread contamination. Thus, storing and allowing for natural decay stands out as the most responsible choice for radioactive elements with short half-l