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 spacecraft.
3. RTGs can use Plutonium-238, which is a by-product of weapons development.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer explanation
2 and 3 only Statement 1 is incorrect because RTGs are not fission reactors. They convert heat released by radioactive decay directly into electricity through thermoelectric materials; they do not sustain a nuclear fission chain reaction.…