Plutonium-238 $$$\left({ }_{94}^{238} \mathrm{Pu}\right)$$$ is unstable and undergoes alpha decay. The power source in a space probe contains $$$0.874 \mathrm{~kg}$$$ of plutonium-238. Each nucleus of plutonium-238 that decays emits $$$5.59 \mathrm{MeV}$$$ of energy. The half-life of plutonium-238 is 87.7 years. Use your answer in (b)(ii) to determine the initial power output from the source due to the decay of plutonium-238. power output $$$=$$$ W

Physics

IGCSE&ALevel

CAIE

Exam No：9702_m23_qp_42 Year：2023 Question No：8(b)(iii)

Answer:

$\begin{aligned} \text { power } & =5.54 \times 10^{14} \times 5.59 \times 10^{6} \times 1.6 \times 10^{-19} \\ & =496 \mathrm{~W}\end{aligned}$

Knowledge points:

23.2.1 infer the random nature of radioactive decay from the fluctuations in count rate

23.2.2 show an appreciation of the spontaneous and random nature of nuclear decay

23.2.3 define the terms activity and decay constant and recall and solve problems using

23.2.4 infer and sketch the exponential nature of radioactive decay and solve problems using the relationship $x=x_{0} e^{-m t}$, where x could represent activity, number of undecayed nuclei or received count rate

23.2.5 define half-life

23.2.6 solve problems using the relation

5.1.1 give examples of energy in different forms, its conversion and conservation, and apply the principle of conservation of energy to simple examples

Answer:

Knowledge points:

Solution:

Related Question