Home » Urban Insights Hub » Which Particles Do Smoke Detectors Emit?

Which Particles Do Smoke Detectors Emit?

Chloe Bennett • • 6 min read
Which Particles Do Smoke Detectors Emit?

About Americium in Ionization Smoke Detectors
Ionization smoke detectors use americium
americium
Most americium is produced by uranium or plutonium being bombarded with neutrons in nuclear reactors – one tonne of spent nuclear fuel contains about 100 grams of americium. It is widely used in commercial ionization chamber smoke detectors, as well as in neutron sources and industrial gauges.
› wiki › Americium
as a source of alpha particles. Alpha particles from the americium source ionize air molecules. This makes some particles positively charged and some negatively charged.

Do smoke detectors release alpha particles?

An isotope of americium which emits alpha particles is used in smoke alarms. Alpha radiation ionises the air and this allows a small current to flow between two electrodes. ... This means the smoke alarm will not need to be changed daily.

What chemical is in smoke detectors?

Most smoke detectors use americium-241 as their source. Some early models used radium-226, and commercial smoke detectors and some residential units used nickel-63. The types of radiation from these sources cannot make anything else radioactive.

Chloe Bennett
Author

Chloe Bennett

Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.