Modern household smoke detectors contain a tiny speck of the element Americium (Am, atomic number 95, atomic mass 241), which has a half-life of 432 years and an activity of (roughly) of 37,000 decays per second. a) What is the approximate mass of this speck? (Hint: the atomic mass of this isotope is approximately 241.06 u). b) This isotope is an alpha emitter. Is its radiation likely to be a hazard to the household members while the smoke detector is on the ceiling? Explain.

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Modern household smoke detectors contain a tiny speck of the element Americium (Am, atomic number 95, atomic mass 241), which has a half-life of 432 years and an activity of (roughly) of 37,000 decays per second.

a) What is the approximate mass of this speck? (Hint: the atomic mass of this isotope is approximately 241.06 u).

b) This isotope is an alpha emitter. Is its radiation likely to be a hazard to the household members while the smoke detector is on the ceiling? Explain.

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