A particular smoke detector contains 1.05 μCi of  241Am241Am, with a half-life of 458 years.  The isotope is encased in a thin aluminum container. Calculate the mass of 241 Am in grams in the detector. Express your answer numerically in grams.   Part B:  Fears of radiation exposure from normal use of such detectors are largely unfounded. Identify reasons why 241 Am smoke detectors are perfectly safe. Select all that apply a. The penetrating power of αα radiation is limited. b. Ions get trapped by electrodes. c. The amount of americium is very little.

Modern Physics
3rd Edition
ISBN:9781111794378
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Clement J. Moses, Curt A. Moyer
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Clement J. Moses, Curt A. Moyer
Chapter14: Nuclear Physics Applications
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 48P
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Part A:
A particular smoke detector contains 1.05 μCi of  241Am241Am, with a half-life of 458 years.  The isotope is encased in a thin aluminum container. Calculate the mass of 241 Am in grams in the detector.
Express your answer numerically in grams.
 
Part B: 
Fears of radiation exposure from normal use of such detectors are largely unfounded. Identify reasons why 241 Am smoke detectors are perfectly safe.
Select all that apply
a. The penetrating power of αα radiation is limited.
b. Ions get trapped by electrodes.
c. The amount of americium is very little.
d. The number of αα particles leaving the case is low.
e. The detector has a plastic cover.
 f. The detector is housed in an aluminum case.
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