Neutron probes are used in agronomy to measure the moisture content of soil. A pellet of 241Am emits alpha particles that cause a beryllium disk to emit neutrons. These neutrons move out into the soil where they are reflected back into the probe by the hydrogen nuclei in water. The neutron count is thus indicative of the moisture content near the probe. What is the energy of the alpha particle emitted by the 241Am?

Neutron probes are used in agronomy to measure the moisture content of soil. A pellet of 241Am emits alpha particles that cause a beryllium disk to emit neutrons. These neutrons move out into the soil where they are reflected back into the probe by the hydrogen nuclei in water. The neutron count is thus indicative of the moisture content near the probe. What is the energy of the alpha particle emitted by the 241Am?