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UPSC Prelims 2024 Paper-I 📅 16 Jun, 2024

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?

A
1 and 2 only
B
2 and 3 only
C
1 and 3 only
D
1, 2 and 3
Result Summary
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UPSC Prelims
2024 • 16 Jun, 2024 • Paper-I
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?
Correct Answer
2 and 3 only
Science & Tech: Space Technology.Technology: Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs).Details: Statements 2 and 3 are correct. RTGs use the heat from the n......
Ref/Book : UPSC Prelims 2024
Ref. Subject Science & Tech
Chapter -
Ref. Topic Space Technology
Pg. No -
💡 Analysis & Explanation
Science & Tech ▼
Space Technology.
Technology ▼
Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs).
Details ▼
Statements 2 and 3 are correct. RTGs use the heat from the natural radioactive decay of Plutonium-238 to provide incredibly reliable, long-lasting power for deep space probes like Voyager and Curiosity. Statement 1 is completely incorrect because RTGs are not nuclear fission reactors; they do not split atoms in a chain reaction, they merely harvest passive decay heat.
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