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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.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoBecause alpha radiation is the only of those three forms of ionizing radiation that is generally harmless to people. This is because the alpha particle is unable to travel through skin, so it is unable to get inside your body and destroy your DNA.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoBecause you want type of low energy radiation that can be stopped by a very thin sheet of metal. or , indeed, paper. Beta would go through your skin and gamma, your house.
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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.
What does alpha alpha radiation do?
It can be used for smoke detectors
Describe how smoke detectors use alpha particles and what sets off the alarm?
Alpha particles constantly released by americium knock electrons off atoms in the air ionizing the oxygen, nitrogen atoms
Why do nuclei that emit alpha particles such as americium-241 are safe to use in smoke defectors?
Nuclei that emit alpha particles, such as americium-241, are safe to use in smoke detectors because alpha particles can only travel a short distance through air and are easily stopped by a thin sheet of paper or clothing. The radiation emitted by the nuclei is low energy and poses no harm to humans. Additionally, the amount of americium-241 used in smoke detectors is very small, further reducing the risk.
What is a description of alpha radiation?
Alpha radiation is used for people's smoke detectors.
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 does alpha alpha radiation do?
It can be used for smoke detectors
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 how smoke detectors use alpha particles and what sets off the alarm?
Alpha particles constantly released by americium knock electrons off atoms in the air ionizing the oxygen, nitrogen atoms
Was there americium in the first smoke dectores?
Alpha particles from americium ionized the air. An air with smoke has a different ionization, ionization currents which are also different are measured, compared and the detector (which was before calibrated) is ready ! The americium smoke detectors (with ionization) are not the first 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 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
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.
Explain why americium-241 would be an ideal isotope to use in a smoke detector?
Alpha particles from americium ionized the air. An air with smoke has a different ionization, ionization currents which are also different are measured, compared and the detector (which is before calibrated) is ready !
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.
What are the everyday uses of Beta particles?
Beta particles are often used in smoke detectors.
