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In the smoke detector, the fast - moving alpha particles enable the air to conduct an electric current. As long as the electric current is flowing, the smoke detector is silent. The alarm is triggered when the flow of electric current is interrupted by smoke entering the detector.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoAmericium (the isotope 241Am) is used in these devices as ionizing source.
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What does americium do in smoke detectors?
Yes, americium is used as ionizing source in smoke detectors.
What was used in fire detectors before americium?
The first smoke detectors are based on optical principles - photoelectric detectors.
What the radioactive element is used in smoke detectors?
It's usually americium-241. It undergoes alpha-decay with a half-life of about 400 years. Am-241 is artificially manufactured; it doesn't occur in nature.
What is used for americium?
Some applications of americium are: - ionizing source for smoke detectors - component of neutron generators as Am-Be - source in nuclear gauges densitometers - standard source of radiations: gamma, alpha - source for gamma ray radiography - precursor to prepare Cm, Bk, Es, Db,No, Lw - laboratories uses
Is americium 241 hazardous?
If used inappropriately or carelessly, Americum-241 can be hazardous. It is a radioactive material that decays by emission of an alpha particle. Alpha particles are only dangerous if they are emitted by atoms within your body, so Americium-241 is only hazardous if it gets into your body. Americium-241 is used in ionization-type smoke detectors. In that use it is not hazardous unless the smoke detector is severely abused.
How long has americium been used in smoke detectors?
Americium become to be largely used in smoke detectors after 1970.
What does americium do in smoke detectors?
Yes, americium is used as ionizing source in smoke detectors.
How is Americium used in are daily life?
americinium is used in smoke detectors to check for smoke
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.
What is a radioactive element used is smoke detectors?
Americium 241
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.
Where is Americium commonly used?
Americium-241 is a radioactive isotope commonly found in smoke detectors.
What synthetic element that is used in smoke detectors?
Americium (isotope 241) is the most common radioactive element used in smoke detectors.
What household item contains radioactive isotope americium 241?
smoke detectors
What was used in fire detectors before americium?
The first smoke detectors are based on optical principles - photoelectric detectors.
What element is used in smoke detectors and named for the US?
AMERICIUM 241!
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.
