Which actinide, discovered by Glenn T Seaborg in 1940, is used as a heat source for sensitive electrical components in satellites as well as a power source for satellites?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

SSC CGL 2023 Tier-I Official Paper (Held On: 27 Jul 2023 Shift 1)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Plutonium.Key Points

Plutonium was discovered by Glenn T Seaborg in 1940.
It is a silvery-gray actinide metal that oxidizes to a dull covering and tarnishes when exposed to air.
The element typically manifests in four oxidation states and six allotropes.
Plutonium-238 is used as a heat source for sensitive electrical components in satellites as well as a power source for satellites.

Additional Information

Curium is a radioactive metallic element and is used in the production of alpha particles for cancer treatment.
- It is also used in heart pacemakers.
Nobelium is a synthetic element and has no known uses.
- Because of its radioactivity, it is toxic.
Americium is a radioactive element and is used in smoke detectors and as a source of gamma radiation for industrial radiography.
- The most prevalent form of Americium is Americium-241.