Chapter 19, Problem 32E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Half-life of ${}^{241}\text{Am}$ is given.  The number of alpha particles emitted each second by a $\text{5}\text{.00}\text{g}$ sample of ${}^{241}\text{Am}$ is to be calculated.

Concept introduction:

Americium- $241$ is used in smoke detectors. It decays by emitting $\text{α}$ particles.  The radiation emitted by this element ionizes particles that are then detected by a charged particle collector.  Decay constant is the quantity that expresses the rate of decrease of number of atoms of a radioactive element per second.  Half-life of radioactive sample is defined as the time required for the number of nuclides to reach half of the original value.