alpha source batteries
Half-life of radioactive sources in Smoke detectors – Need Help?
Just need help for an assignment
1) What are the advantages for using a radioactive source with a long half life in a smoke detector?
2) Should you wear gloves when changing batteries in a smoke detector?
3) Why is it essential to use an alpha emitter in a smoke detector rather than beta and gamma.
Any help is appreciated, and do please try make answers as scientific as possible.
Thanks
1. The source will last a conveniently long time (hundreds of years, in the case of the commonly used americium-based detectors) without needing to be replaced.
2. Gloves are not needed. The radioactive material is well sealed in its compartment. (If the battery has corroded and leaked, you might want protection; at least, wash your hands after handling it.)
3. From the Wikipedia article on smoke detectors
( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoke_detector ):
“Alpha radiation, as opposed to beta and gamma, is used for two additional reasons: Alpha particles have high ionization, so sufficient air particles will be ionized for the [detection] current to exist, and they have low penetrative power, meaning they will be stopped by the plastic of the smoke detector and/or the air.”
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