Smoke Detector

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 Code Number :   7D30.45 

Disclaimer:

Reprinted by permission of Dick Berg, University of Maryland, for use on this website.

The demonstrations contained and referenced herein are listed for the purposes of cataloging and describing physics demonstrations which should be conducted only under the direction of a trained instructional support professional or physicist. These demonstrations are not presented for the purpose of being conducted by persons unconnected to this Facility and/or persons not consulting with or being supervised by the recognized instructional support professional or physicist and his/her staff. The University is responsible only for those demonstrations carried out using its own equipment using established safety and scheduling policies, and bears no responsibility for those choosing to use this source material for their own purposes. All demonstrations described and contained herein are public domain, and can also be found in reference materials in libraries, bookstores, and electronic sources.

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Condition :   Excellent   
Principle :   Particle Decay and Ionization  
Area of Study :  Modern Physics  
Equipment :   Smoke Detector, Radiation Counter if Desired.

Procedure :   Open up the smoke detector and pass it around and show that the active element is composed of Americium 241.  The Geiger counter may be used to detect the radiation coming off of the source.  These are alphas so they won't travel a great distance.
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   Web Sites

 

"Radioactive Products and Other Sources of Radiation."  Chris Smolinski.  www.blackcatsystems.com 

 

   References

Lawrence Ruby and John Hunt, "Understanding Modern Electrical Protective Devices," TPT, Vol. 35, # 7, p. 432, (Oct.1997).

Jack G, Gouch, Kelly L. Vaughn, "Radioactive Consumer Products in the Classroom", TPT, Vol. 33, # 1, Jan. 1995, p. 18.

H. Richard Crane, "Ionization Smoke Alarms", TPT, Vol. 22, # 8, Nov. 1984, p. 526 - 528.

J. R. Young, " The Smoke Detector", TPT, Vol. 17, # 7, Oct. 1979, p. 467.



Mail Questions and Comments to:  Dale Stille