Question: The thermal energy generated when radiation from radionuclides is absorbed in matter can serve as the basis for a small power source for use in

The thermal energy generated when radiation from radionuclides is absorbed in matter can serve as the basis for a small power source for use in satellites, remote weather stations, and other isolated locations. Such radionuclides are manufactured in abundance in nuclear reactors and may be separated chemically from the spent fuel. One suitable radionuclide is 238Pu (T1/2 = 87.7 y), which is an alpha emitter with = 5.50 MeV. At what rate is thermal energy generated in 1.00 kg of this material?

The thermal energy generated when radiation from radionuclides is absorbed

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IfR is the decay rate then the power output is PRQ where is the energy produced b... View full answer

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