Multiple choice

Nuclear technology finds its application in many devices including the smoke detector. Which of the following radioisotopes is the most commonly used in smoke detectors?

  1. Americium – 241

  2. Bohrium – 262

  3. Flerovium – 289

  4. Nobelium – 259
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Most of the smoke detectors work either by optical detection (photoelectric) or by physical process (ionisation), while others use both detection methods to increase the sensitivity to smoke. An ionisation smoke detector uses a radioisotope such as Americium-241 to produce ionisation in air. When a difference due to smoke is detected, an alarm is generated.

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