One type of commercial smoke detector contains a minute amount of radioactive am
ID: 693666 • Letter: O
Question
One type of commercial smoke detector contains a minute amount of radioactive americium-241 (241Am), which decays by -particle production. The particles ionize molecules in the air, allowing it to conduct an electric current. When smoke particles enter, the conductivity of the air is changed and the alarm buzzes. 1. a. Write the equation for the decay of 241Am by a-particle production. b. The complete decay of 241Am involves successively , , , , , , , , , , and production. Identify the 11 intermediate nuclides and the final stable nucleus produced in this decay series. The half-life of 241Arm is 433 years. How many particles are emitted each second by a 5.00-g sample of 241Am? C.Explanation / Answer
a)
241 Am 95 ------> 237 Np 93 + 4 He 2 2+
b)
241 Am 95 -----> 237 Np 93 + 4 He 2 2+( alpha particle)
237 Np 93 -----> 235 Pa 91 + Alpha particle
235 Pa 91 -----> 235 U 92 + e-1 (beta particles)
235 U 92 -----> 231 Th 90 + alpha particle
231 Th 90 -----> 227 Ra 88 + alpha particle
227 Ra 88 -----> 227 Ac 89 + beta particle
227 Ac 89 -----> 223 Fr 87 + alpha particle
223 Fr 87 -----> 219 At 85 + alpha particle
219 At 85 -----> 215 Bi 83 + alpha particle
215 Bi 83 -----> 215 Po 84 + beta particle
215 Po 84 -----> 211 Pb 82 + alpha particle
211 Pb 82 -----> 211 Bi 83 + beta particle
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