Types of Radioactive Decay — Unit test Answers

A small amount of americium-241 is used in smoke detectors. A stream of radiation flows between two electrodes. If smoke interrupts the stream, the alarm goes off. What feature of the radioisotope americium-241 would be most helpful for the smoke detector to work?

Which disadvantage of nuclear power use poses the greatest threat to the environment?

Considering radiation weighting factors only, how many times more dangerous are alpha particles than protons?

Which type of radiation includes particles that can accumulate in specific organs like the thyroid gland and bones?

A meteorite contains 0.17 g of nickel-59, a radioisotope that decays to form cobalt-59. The meteorite also contains 5.27 g of cobalt-59. How many nickel-59 half-lives have passed since the meteorite formed?