Chapter 11.8, Problem 11.15P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The isotopes results from $\text{α-decay}$ of the $\text{Americium-241}$ in smoke detectors has to be identified.

Concept Introduction:

Alpha decay:

It is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, which is also known as helium nucleus.

An alpha particle is equal to the nucleus of a $\text{Helium}$ atom, which has two protons and two neutrons. It has a charge of $\text{+2 e}$ and a mass of $4 u$

${}_{\text{Z}}^{\text{A}}\text{X}{\to }_{\text{2}}^{\text{4}}{\text{He+}}_{\text{Z-2}}^{\text{A-4}}\text{X}$