QUESTION

Medium

Science & Technology

Prelims 2024

With reference to radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), consider the following statements:

  1. RTGs are miniature fission reactors.
  2. RTGs are used for powering the onboard systems of spacecrafts.
  3. RTGs can use Plutonium-238, which is a by-product of weapons development.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

  • Statement 1: Incorrect. RTGs (Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators) are not miniature fission reactors. Fission reactors use nuclear fission, a process of splitting atoms to release a tremendous amount of energy. RTGs, on the other hand, utilize the natural radioactive decay of isotopes to generate heat, which is then converted to electricity through a process called thermoelectricity.

  • Statement 2: Correct. RTGs are indeed a reliable power source for spacecraft, especially those venturing far from the sun where solar panels become ineffective. They provide consistent, low-level electric power for extended periods, making them ideal for probes, satellites, and rovers in deep space.

  • Statement 3: Correct. Plutonium-238 is a common isotope used in RTGs due to its long half-life (the time it takes for half of the material to decay) and its ability to generate a steady heat output from its decay process. While it can be a byproduct of weapons development, there are also alternative ways to produce Plutonium-238 specifically for peaceful applications like RTGs.

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