Radioisotope thermoelectric generators can be used by satellites to obtain power from radioactive decay of various isotopes, plutonium-238 being the preferred fuel. Plutonium 238 decays via alpha emission and has a half-life of 87.7 years.
a. Write the nuclear equation for the alpha decay of plutonium-238.
b. If you were to start with 250.0 g of Pu-238 to power a satellite, what mass would remain after 50 years?