Question

Space missions and remote science stations often get power from a radioisotope thermal generator (RTG) that uses the thermal energy from radioactive decay to produce electricity. A spacecraft set for launch in the next few years uses 238Pu, an alpha emitter with a half-life of 88 years.

What is the daughter nucleus of the decay?

At launch, the generator produces 280 W. What will be the generator power 20 years after launch?

Answer 1