1. RTGs are miniature fission reactors.
2. RTGs are used for powering the onboard systems of spacecraft.
3. RTGs can use Plutonium-238, which is a by-product of weapons developments.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation
RTGs are lightweight and compact devices that generate electricity from the heat produced by the natural radioactive decay of isotopes, typically Plutonium-238. They are commonly used in space missions where solar power is insufficient, such as deep-space probes and rovers.
Statement 1 is incorrect: RTGs generate heat through natural radioactive decay, not by controlled nuclear fission, which involves splitting atomic nuclei to release energy. Therefore, they cannot be classified as miniature fission reactors.
Statement 2 is correct: Due to their lightweight, compact design, RTGs have been extensively used in space missions such as Voyager, Curiosity Rover, and Perseverance Rover. They offer a durable and reliable power source, especially for spacecraft operating in deep space, where solar panels are ineffective.
Statement 3 is correct: Plutonium-238 is widely used in RTGs due to its high heat output during decay and low levels of unwanted radiation. While Pu-238 is not naturally occurring, it is mainly produced as a by-product of nuclear weapons development. For example, during the Cold War, it was generated as a by-product of reactions involved in nuclear weapons production.