Americium-241 Alpha Decay

241Am → 237Np + 4He

개요

Americium-241 alpha decays to neptunium-237 with a half-life of 432 years, also emitting a 59.5 keV gamma ray. Am-241 is the most common household radioactive source, present in virtually every smoke detector. A tiny amount (about 1 microgram) ionizes air between two plates.

참여 물질

역할 물질 계수 상태
반응물 Americium Am 1 (s)
생성물 Neptunium Np 1 (s)
생성물 Helium He 1 (g)

일상 속 예시

The smoke detector in your home contains Am-241 that ionizes air. When smoke particles disrupt this ionization, the alarm sounds.

산업적 중요성

Am-241은 이온화 방식 연기 감지기, 산업용 두께 측정 장비, 건설 현장의 수분 밀도 측정 장비에 사용됩니다.

성질

유형
Nuclear
가역 반응
아니오
에너지
발열
ΔH
-535000000.0 kJ/mol

관련 반응

Alpha Decay of Radium-226 Alpha Decay of Radon-222 Alpha Decay of Thorium-232 Neutron Capture by Uranium-238 Beta Decay of Iodine-131 Beta Decay of Strontium-90 Alpha Decay of Polonium-210 Beta Decay of Cobalt-60 Plutonium-239 Fission Electron Capture by Beryllium-7

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Americium-241 Alpha Decay?
The balanced equation is: ²⁴¹Am → ²³⁷Np + ⁴He.
What type of reaction is Americium-241 Alpha Decay?
Americium-241 Alpha Decay is a nuclear reaction.
Is Americium-241 Alpha Decay exothermic or endothermic?
Americium-241 Alpha Decay is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -535000000.0 kJ/mol.