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Describe how smoke detectors use alpha particles and what sets off the alarm?
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
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What is an important use of the alpha particle?
The commonest use of alpha particles is probably in smoke detectors. The americium in the smoke detectors emits alpha particles. If smoke is present, it stops the alpha particles more efficiently than air, creating ions in the detection area of the device. The ions make the air more conductive, and the conductivity is sensed by the detector, which sets of the alarm. Alpha particles are also used in the radioisotope thermoelectric generators that power pacemakers and space probes.
Why are alpha particles so useful in smoke detectors?
Alpha particles are useful in smoke detectors because they are easily absorbed by smoke particles. When this happens, the flow of electrical current between the electrodes, said flow being comprised of alpha particles, is reduced and causes the alarm to activate.
What does alpha alpha radiation do?
It can be used for smoke detectors
What is a description of alpha radiation?
Alpha radiation is used for people's smoke detectors.
Why must a Geiger Muller tube for detecting alpha particles have very high thin end window?
A GM (Geiger-Muller) tube for detecting alpha particles must have a very thin window because alpha particles are highly interactive, and they can be stopped with very little, such as only a few inches of air, a sheet of paper, your skin, etc. Typical GM detectors for alpha application use mylar as the window. Even so, the mylar does interfere with the alpha detection, but this is better than nothing.
What is an important use of the alpha particle?
The commonest use of alpha particles is probably in smoke detectors. The americium in the smoke detectors emits alpha particles. If smoke is present, it stops the alpha particles more efficiently than air, creating ions in the detection area of the device. The ions make the air more conductive, and the conductivity is sensed by the detector, which sets of the alarm. Alpha particles are also used in the radioisotope thermoelectric generators that power pacemakers and space probes.
Why does your smoke alarm suddenly flash a white light intermittently?
when alpha particles are accelerated between the electrified parallel plates, a few electrons of charged particles are energised and then eject a flash of light on return to original energy level. the probability of this happening is random due to the narrow conditions necessary for such phenomenon. ionising smoke detectors have a small [1 micro curie alpha source] that ejects alpha particles into an electric field. if the flow of alpha particles is prevented [by smoke particles], an alarm is sounded.
How is radioactivity used in smoke detectors?
There are two types of smoke detectors:Photoelectric Smoke detectorsIonizing Smoke DetectorsIonization smoke detectors are more commonly used. The smoke detector uses an ionization chamber and a source of ionizing radiation to detect smoke.Alpha particles are emitted from from the chamber, which ionize the air, so that the air conducts electricity and a small current flows.If smoke enters the alarm, it absorbs the alpha particles causing the current to reduce, and the alarm sounds.Generally, smoke detectors use a weak source made of Americium-241 (241Am95).Note: Alpha particles are the nuclei of a Helium Atom (4He2).
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.
Why are alpha particles so useful in smoke detectors?
Alpha particles are useful in smoke detectors because they are easily absorbed by smoke particles. When this happens, the flow of electrical current between the electrodes, said flow being comprised of alpha particles, is reduced and causes the alarm to activate.
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.
What does alpha alpha radiation do?
It can be used for smoke detectors
How is americium 241 used in smoke detectors?
Americium-241 being radioactive - emit alpha particles - is used as a source to ionization of air.
What are alpha particles used for?
We commonly see an isotope of americium generating alpha particles to ionize air in smoke detectors. A source generates alpha particles to ionize air in industrial settings so that the ionized air will quickly and effectively dissipate static charges. A radio pharmaceutical generates alpha particles, and the unsealed source irradiates tumors in patients that are so implanted. We find alpha particle sources in the physics lab where they are used in experiments and demonstrations. Alpha particles can be accelerated for use as "atomic bullets" in high energy physics research.
What are four chemical changes that occur in a house?
Rusting of garden railings Combustion of methane in a stove Radiation of alpha particles from Americium in smoke detectors
Where is americium 241 most often found?
Americium is found in smoke detectors, neutron sources (Am-Be), water detectors, density gauges, source of alpha particles, source of gamma rays, americium gamma rays bombs, etc.
Are alpha particles good or bad?
Depends... if you breath them in, drink them or eat them then they can be pretty bad. Just google polonium-210 for a good example of alpha being bad. On the good side, alpha has been used for years in smoke detectors. A source of americium-241 emits alphas and gets detected. A significant drop in the detection rate makes the alarm sound. A significant drop is obviously caused by smoke particles (or by a piece of plastic, which is what happens when you press the tester button). So called ionising smoke detectors are now being replaced by optical devices. Alpha particles are also being trialled in nuclear medicine (or radionuclide) therapies, which more typically use beta radiation, to provide things like pain relief for bony metastasis (cancer that has spread to the bone).
