With reference to radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), consider the following statements: 1. RTGs…
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?
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
Solution
RTGs use heat from natural radioactive decay (typically Plutonium-238) converted to electricity via thermocouples — they are NOT fission reactors (Statement 1 wrong). They power spacecraft like Voyager, Cassini and Curiosity (Statement 2 correct). Pu-238 is a by-product of nuclear weapons programs (Statement 3 correct).