answersLogoWhite

0

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.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

How long has americium been used in smoke detectors?

Americium has been used in smoke detectors since the 1950s. Its radioactive properties make it ideal for ionizing smoke particles in the detector, allowing it to quickly detect smoke and trigger the alarm.


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.


What does americium do in smoke detectors?

Americium-241 is used in smoke detectors because it emits alpha particles that ionize the air inside the detector. This ionization process allows a small electric current to flow between two electrodes in the detector. When smoke enters the detector, it disrupts this current, triggering the alarm.


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


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.


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 was used in fire detectors before americium?

The first smoke detectors are based on optical principles - photoelectric detectors.


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.


What has americium?

smoke detectors and x-rays