Photo AI

Figure 20 shows a Mars rover, a vehicle used for exploring the surface of the planet Mars - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 10 - 2023 - Paper 1

Question icon

Question 10

Figure-20-shows-a-Mars-rover,-a-vehicle-used-for-exploring-the-surface-of-the-planet-Mars-Edexcel-GCSE Physics-Question 10-2023-Paper 1.png

Figure 20 shows a Mars rover, a vehicle used for exploring the surface of the planet Mars. The power supply in a Mars rover is called an RTG. The RTG contains a ra... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 20 shows a Mars rover, a vehicle used for exploring the surface of the planet Mars - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 10 - 2023 - Paper 1

Step 1

Calculate the useful energy transferred by the RTG when 1300 J of thermal energy is released in the decay.

96%

114 rated

Answer

To find the useful energy transferred by the RTG, we can rearrange the efficiency formula:

useful energy transferred=efficiency100×total energy supplied to the device\text{useful energy transferred} = \frac{\text{efficiency}}{100} \times \text{total energy supplied to the device}

Substituting the values:

useful energy transferred=7100×1300 J\text{useful energy transferred} = \frac{7}{100} \times 1300 \, \text{J}

Calculating gives:

useful energy transferred=91 J\text{useful energy transferred} = 91 \, \text{J}

So the useful energy transferred by the RTG is 91 J.

Step 2

Suggest, with a reason, one property the isotope must have to be suitable for use in the RTG.

99%

104 rated

Answer

The isotope must have a long half-life. This is important because a long half-life ensures that it will release energy steadily over an extended period, providing a continuous power supply for the Mars rover, which is essential for its long-duration missions.

Join the GCSE students using SimpleStudy...

97% of Students

Report Improved Results

98% of Students

Recommend to friends

100,000+

Students Supported

1 Million+

Questions answered

;