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No, the radioactive sources in smoke detectors emit alpha particles. These are very weakly penetrating and are stopped by a few centimetres of air, therefore the plastic casing of the detector is sufficient to stop any radiation.
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∙ 14y ago
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What use is alpha radiation?
It is used in smoke detectors as it cannot travel far in air. Alpha radiation is emitted and as long as the detector in the device is receiving the alpha radiation, then no smoke is present. When smoke particles are present, they interrupt the radiation, and so the detector doesn't pick up the radiation, causing the alarm to go off.
How are alpha particles used in smoke alarms?
Alpha radiation is emitted from the amercium button in a smoke detector. When smoke goes into the smoke detector it blocks the stream of alpha particles emitted from the americium. That triggers an alarm.
Smoke detectors are they safe for us?
Yes, even though they do emit ionizing radiation. The amount of radiation emitted from a smoke detector is about 1 hundredth of a millirem per year. The background radiation from radioactive isotopes in the ground is about 300 millirem per year. So the ground your standing on right now is exposing you to more radiation then your smoke detector ever will.
Can you buy smoke detector tape?
Personally, I have no idea what "smoke detector tape" is.
Was the smoke detector proposed for a mission?
actually no, the smoke detector was not proposed for a mission
Is a smoke a detector like a sense organ?
is a smoke detector like a sense organ
Is a smoke detector like a sense organ?
is a smoke detector like a sense organ
A synthetic element that is used in smoke detectors is?
Americium-241 this is an emitter of alpha radiation, which is used in smoke detectors as it is very ionising and will not be able to travel through smoke. Therefore, in a fire the detector will not receive any alpha radiation and hence the alarm will go off.
Can a smoke detector sound from heat only?
Then it wouldn't be a smoke detector, but there are fire alarms that are triggered by temperature.
Do I need a battery smoke detector as a backup?
If your home smoke detector is tied into your electricity and is equipped with a battery backup you should not need an additional smoke detector. You should insure that the batteries are charged and that the smoke detector is functioning properly at least once a month if not more often.
How do you unplug a smoke detector?
Remove the batteries from the back of the detector.
How does a radioactive smoke detector?
Americium-241 ionizes the air inside a smoke detector, making a small change in voltage when smoke is present.
