What distinguishes burial from cremation?

Burial and cremation are two distinct methods of handling a deceased person's body, and the fundamental distinction lies in the physical treatment of that body. Burial involves placing the intact body into the ground, usually within a casket, allowing for preservation in a grave or tomb. In contrast, cremation involves the complete reduction of the body to ashes through extreme heat and combustion. This process alters the physical state of the body, leaving behind cremated remains, which can then be kept in an urn or scattered.

The other options do not accurately represent the key differences between burial and cremation. While an urn is commonly associated with cremation, it is not a requirement for burial, which traditionally uses a casket. The statement regarding religious purposes is overly broad and does not reflect the fact that both burial and cremation can be conducted for various personal or cultural reasons, not exclusively religious ones. Moreover, the location aspect of cemeteries for burial and potential indoor settings for cremation only partially captures the full essence of their differences and can vary widely by practices and regulations.

Thus, the correct answer effectively highlights the primary difference between the two methods in how they treat the body after death.