Explain why a smoke alarm works by emitting and detecting alpha radiation instead of gamma or beta radiation.
Alpha radiation isn't very penetrating and so is absorbed and stopped by smoke particles. This causes a change in count rate when there is smoke present. This change in count rate allows the alarm to be triggered.Beta and gamma radiation aren't stopped by smoke particles and so there would be no change of count rate when smoke is present.
FM
Related Physics GCSE answers
All answers ▸What is radioactivity?
Discuss how X-rays and Ultrasound can be used for medical purposes, including their advantages and disadvantages.
Can you explain the difference between distance and displacement
If a student uses an electric kettle connected to a 230V mains power supply, with a heating power of 1.8kW. Assuming negligable losses, answer the following: a) find the current in the kettle b) find the total energy transferred in 2 minutes of operation