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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).
How is ionizing radiation used?
Smoke detectors, x-rays, sterilizing items such as medical supplies.
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.
Americium-241 is used in some smoke detectors It is an alpha emitter with a half-life of 432 How long will it take in years for 31.0 of an Am-241 sample to decay?
288
Who invented smoke detectors?
king man
What does alpha alpha radiation do?
It can be used for smoke detectors
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.
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.
What do Small radioactive sources that are present in smoke detectors release?
Radioactive sources release some form of radiation, in the case of smoke detectors the specific type will be alpha radiation- most likely from americium 241. The alpha radiation is a helium nucleus which is highly ionizing but is fairly safe since it can only travel around about 5cm in the air, the act of a stream of alpha radiation being intercepted by CO2 cuts a circuit and is how the CO2 is detected.
What is a description of alpha radiation?
Alpha radiation is used for people's smoke detectors.
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
Can the radiation in a smoke detector escape?
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.
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.
What type of radiation is in smoke alarm?
alpha radiation
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).
Describe the uses of ionising radiation used in a home?
Smoke detectors
What does nuclear radiation have to do with how a smoke detector works?
A weak source of Americium-241 is found in smoke detectors. The Alpha particles, which ionise the air, are emitted from here. This causes the air to conduct electricity and a small current flows.
