Americium-241 Alpha Decay
241Am → 237Np + 4He
概述
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.
参与者
日常示例
The smoke detector in your home contains Am-241 that ionizes air. When smoke particles disrupt this ionization, the alarm sounds.
工业重要性
Am-241用于电离式烟雾探测器、工业厚度测量仪,以及建筑中的水分密度仪。
属性
- 类型
- Nuclear
- 可逆
- 否
- 能量
- 放热
- ΔH
- -535000000.0 kJ/mol
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.