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the bottom line is that when smoke gets into the detector, it's electrical current is interrupted, causing the alarm to sound (which im guessing you already knew) I'm not totally sure why the radioactive element (americium-241) has to be in there, but what I DO know (contrary to what the previous poster put) is that the alpha rays produced by the radioactive element are NOT strong enough to escape, and therfore pose NO harm whatsoever to people around it.
What else can I help you with?
What household item contains radioactive isotope americium 241?
Smoke detectors typically contain americium-241. This radioactive isotope is used to ionize the air in the detector, allowing it to detect smoke particles and trigger the alarm.
Many smoke detectors contain?
a. Americium-241 Smoke detectors might have an ionizing chamber. If it does, the chamber holds a radioactive nuclide to ionize the particles in the smoke to set off the detector. Usually the radioactive source is americium.
How should I properly dispose of a smoke detector?
To properly dispose of a smoke detector, you should check the manufacturer's instructions for specific disposal guidelines. In general, you can contact your local waste management facility to see if they accept smoke detectors for recycling or proper disposal. It is important to not throw smoke detectors in the regular trash as they may contain radioactive materials that can be harmful to the environment.
What household item contains californium?
Some smoke detectors contain californium. It a radioactive neutron emitter and is a man made element.
What is a radioactive element used is smoke detectors?
Americium 241
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.
How should I properly dispose of smoke detectors?
To properly dispose of smoke detectors, you should check the manufacturer's instructions for specific disposal guidelines. In general, you can contact your local waste management facility to inquire about proper disposal methods, as some detectors may contain radioactive materials that require special handling. It is important to follow proper disposal procedures to protect the environment and ensure safety.
What element is used in smoke detectors and named for the US?
The element used in smoke detectors and named after the US is Americium (Am). It is a radioactive element commonly found in household smoke detectors to detect smoke particles in the air.
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.
What are the differences between photoelectric and ionization smoke detectors?
Photoelectric smoke detectors use a light beam to detect smoke particles, while ionization smoke detectors use radioactive particles to detect smoke. Photoelectric detectors are better at detecting smoldering fires, while ionization detectors are more sensitive to fast-flaming fires.
What are the answers for fema IS 3?
many smoke detectors contain:
What are the differences between ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors?
Ionization smoke detectors use a small amount of radioactive material to ionize the air, while photoelectric smoke detectors use a light beam to detect smoke particles. Ionization detectors are better at detecting fast-flaming fires, while photoelectric detectors are more sensitive to slow-smoldering fires.
