The thermal energy generated when radiation from radioactive isotopes is absorbed can serve as the basis for a small power source for use in satellites, remote weather stations, and other isolated locations. such isotopes are manufactured in abundance in nuclear reactors and may be separated chemically from the spent fuel. one suitable isotope is 238pu (half-life 87.7 y), which is an alpha emitter with energy 5.50 mev per decay. at what rate is thermal energy being generated in 1.00 kg of this material