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There are two types of smoke detectors:
- Photoelectric Smoke detectors
- Ionizing Smoke Detectors
Ionization 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).
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Which actinide is used in some smoke detectors?
Americium (element 95 on the periodic table)
What are the everyday uses of Beta particles?
Beta particles are often used in smoke detectors.
How do smoke detectors detect smoke?
Smoke detectors detect smoke by not detecting it. They sense not the smoke, but the oxygen levels surrounding it. when the oxygen levels drop, or when smoke replaces the oxygen, the alarm goes off.
How is ionizing radiation used?
Smoke detectors, x-rays, sterilizing items such as medical supplies.
How much americium is used in smoke detectors?
Between 0,2 and 0,3 micrograms (approx. 1 microcurie)
How long has americium been used in smoke detectors?
Americium become to be largely used in smoke detectors after 1970.
What are smoke detectors?
Smoke detectors are devices that detect smoke. They are used as warning devices in houses to warn people of fire.
What synthetic element that is used in smoke detectors?
Americium (isotope 241) is the most common radioactive element used in smoke detectors.
What gauge wire is used to run smoke detectors?
14-3 Is the standard wire use for residental smoke detectors.
A synthetic element used in smoke detectors?
Americium (pronounced /ˌæməˈrɪsiəm/) is a synthetic element that has the symbol Am, the atomic number 95, and is used in smoke detectors.
How is Americium used in are daily life?
americinium is used in smoke detectors to check for smoke
What was used in fire detectors before americium?
The first smoke detectors are based on optical principles - photoelectric detectors.
Are interlinked smoke detectors a good idea?
There are several types of smoke detectors that can be used in the home. Interlinked smoke detectors can interlink smoke and heat detectors for better convenience. Also, wireless units can be configured specifically to your needs. More safety and smoke detector information can be found on: http://www.safelincs.co.uk/Smoke-Alarms/
Is the radioactive material in smoke detectors dangerous?
Only if you eat it. The substance is americium-241, and it's so small that whatever radioactivity it produces is harmless.
What does alpha alpha radiation do?
It can be used for smoke detectors
What does americium do in smoke detectors?
Yes, americium is used as ionizing source in smoke detectors.
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.
