Americium-241 Alpha Decay

241Am → 237Np + 4He

Overview

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.

Participants

Role Substance Coefficient State
Reactant Americium Am 1 (s)
Product Neptunium Np 1 (s)
Product Helium He 1 (g)

Everyday Example

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

Industrial Importance

Am-241 is used in ionization smoke detectors, industrial thickness gauges, and moisture density gauges in construction.

Properties

Type
Nuclear
Reversible
No
Energy
Exothermic
ΔH
-535000000.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Alpha Decay of Polonium-210 Alpha Decay of Radium-226 Alpha Decay of Radon-222 Alpha Decay of Thorium-232 Alpha Decay of Uranium-238 Beta Decay of Carbon-14 Beta Decay of Cesium-137 Beta Decay of Cobalt-60 Beta Decay of Iodine-131 Beta Decay of Potassium-40

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.