Smoke alarms typically use photo-electric sensors or alpha-particle emitters, although the photo-electric sensors are much better for detecting smoldering fires.
The fire alarm device is usually equipped with an Amercium-241 that is alpha emitter source together with a battery derived electric circuit. In the normal situation the alpha particles ionize the air causing circuit connection. However when there is a smoke the circuit is disconnected due to the smoke that acts as an insulator and hence the alarm is actuated.
Any type of smoke, steam or particles denser than air will set off a smoke alarm. This means that smoke emitted from the incense will set off a smoke alarm when in range of the detector.
The main difference between a photoelectric smoke alarm and an ionization smoke alarm is the way they detect smoke. Photoelectric alarms use light to detect smoke particles, while ionization alarms use radioactive particles. Photoelectric alarms are better at detecting smoldering fires, while ionization alarms are more sensitive to fast-flaming fires.
A special sensor or transducer called a thermistor is used to detect an increase in the temperature of the surrounding air whenever smoke is produced by a fire. A different type of sensor is used to detect an increase in the size and density of particles in the surrounding air after it has been contaminated by smoke from a fire. Either sensor gives an output in the form of an increase in voltage whenever it detects an increased temperature and/or smoke particles. That increase in voltage is fed to the base of a transistor. When the voltage to its base increases, the current from the transistor's emitter to collector (or from its collector to emitter) increases and that increase in current operates the alarm. In other words, in a fire alarm circuit, the transistor acts as a switch which turns on the alarm whenever a sensor or transducer detects the presence of a fire, else it remains off.
Ionization technology in photoelectric smoke alarms helps to detect smoke particles by ionizing the air inside the alarm chamber. When smoke enters the chamber, it disrupts the ionization process, triggering the alarm to sound. This technology enhances the alarm's sensitivity to smoke particles, making it more effective in detecting fires quickly.
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.
You cannot use a remote control to operate a smoke alarm. Smoke alarms are designed to be activated by smoke particles in the air, not by remote control signals. It is important to test your smoke alarm regularly and replace the batteries as needed to ensure it is functioning properly.
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.
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).
Smoke detectors use a small amount of radioactive material (usually americium-241) to emit alpha particles. When smoke enters the detector, it scatters the alpha particles, disrupting the electric current within the detector and setting off the alarm.
A photoelectric smoke detector uses a light sensor and a light source to detect smoke particles in the air. When smoke enters the detector, it scatters the light, triggering the alarm.
Yes, particles in smoke can mix with the air and other pollutants to form smog. Smog is typically a combination of smoke particles, vehicle emissions, and other pollutants that react in the atmosphere to create a haze. This can have negative effects on air quality and human health.