Here we have a Radioactive Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) that is powered by Plutonium 238 (238Pu). The...

60.1K

Verified Solution

Question

Chemistry

Here we have a Radioactive Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) thatis powered by Plutonium 238 (²³⁸Pu). The RTG produces1400 Watts. ²³⁸Pu decays by alpha-particle emission. Thealpha-particle has 5.593 MeV of kinetic energy. The half life(t_1/2) of ²³⁸Pu is 87.7 years.
a) Write the nuclear reaction for ²³⁸Pu decay
b) Assume all of the kinetic energy is converted to heat. Howmuch ²³⁸Pu (in grams) must be present to produce 1400Watts of power?

Answer & Explanation Solved by verified expert

4.1 Ratings (441 Votes)

a 238Pu 234U alpha particle b wes need to use the kinetic energy per alpha particle to determine how many alpha particles we would need in order to get 1400 W of power Once we know thatwe will use plutionium238s halflife to determine how many alpha particles are emitted per second for a given mass of the isotope Finally we will use the number of emitted alpha particles to determine how many nuclei of plutonium238 youd need to have in the sample So its important to realize here that Watts are equivalent to Joules per second 1 W1 J s1 This means See Answer

Get Answers to Unlimited Questions

Join us to gain access to millions of questions and expert answers. Enjoy exclusive benefits tailored just for you!

Membership Benefits:

Unlimited Question Access with detailed Answers
Zin AI - 3 Million Words
10 Dall-E 3 Images
20 Plot Generations
Conversation with Dialogue Memory
No Ads, Ever!
Access to Our Best AI Platform: Flex AI - Your personal assistant for all your inquiries!

Become a Member