What is AM 241 used for?

Americium-241 is used as a neutron source in non-destructive testing of machinery and equipment, and as a thickness gauge in the glass industry. However, its most common application is as an ionization source in smoke detectors, and most of the several kilograms of americium made each year are used in this way.

Is Am 241 an alpha emitter?

Americium and Health Am-241 is primarily an alpha emitter, but also emits some gamma rays. It poses a more significant risk if ingested (swallowed) or inhaled. Once in the body, it tends to concentrate in the bone, liver, and muscle.

Why is AM 241 used in smoke alarms?

Ionization chamber smoke detectors contain a small amount of americium-241, a radioactive material. Smoke particles disrupt the low, steady electrical current produced by radioactive particles and trigger the detector’s alarm. They react quickly to fires that give off little smoke.

Which of the following elements is formed when an alpha particle is emitted from americium-241?

The first decay product of americium-241 is neptunium-237, which also decays and forms other daughter elements. The decay process continues until stable bismuth is formed. The radiation from the decay of americium-241 and its daughters is in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.

Can you touch americium?

Americium, a silvery-white, synthetic element, is created during nuclear reactions of heavy elements. Americium is a highly radioactive element that can be dangerous when handled incorrectly and can cause severe illnesses.

Why is using an alpha emitter in a smoke alarm safe to use in a house?

An alpha source is used because alpha radiation does not penetrate very far. It is absorbed by a few cm of air. This means that as long as the detector is high up on a wall, or the ceiling, it is safe for humans to be in the same room.

Is it legal to own americium?

Americium is the only man-made element which is legal to posses, and the amazing part is that you can buy it for less than $10 at any hardware store.

Why is there a radioactive source in a smoke detector?

Why is there a radioactive source in a smoke detector? it makes the smoke particles radioactive. it ionizes the air. it powers the alarm when the battery wears out.

What type of radiation is used for thickness control?

Beta Radiation in Thickness Control. In industries involving the production of materials with a specific thickness i.e. paper, plastic films, aluminium foil, steel etc beta radiations are used to measure and control the thickness. Strontium 90 is an example of a radioisotope used for this type of application.

What happens if you eat americium?

If you swallow americium, a very small amount of what enters your digestive tract may also enter your blood. Most of the americium entering your blood leaves your body in your urine and feces.

What is the difference between contamination and irradiation?

The key difference between radioactive contamination and irradiation is that radioactive contamination occurs when there is direct contact with radioactive substances, whereas irradiation occurs when there is indirect exposure to radioactive substances.

What is the average background radiation exposure for a citizen of the United States?

On average, a U.S. resident receives an annual radiation exposure from natural sources of about 310 millirem (3.1 millisieverts or mSv). Radon and thoron gases account for two-thirds of this exposure.