Radiation Safety Practice Exam

What type of radiation does americium-241 primarily emit?

1. Beta radiation

2. Gamma radiation

3. Alpha radiation

4. X-ray radiation

The correct answer is: Alpha radiation

Americium-241 primarily emits alpha radiation. This is due to its nuclear decay process, where it releases alpha particles, which consist of two protons and two neutrons. Alpha radiation is characteristic of heavy isotopes like americium, which tends to undergo alpha decay as a means of achieving a more stable nuclear configuration. In addition to alpha particles, americium-241 can also emit gamma radiation during the decay process, but the primary emission type is indeed alpha. Understanding the properties of alpha radiation is important in the context of radiation safety, as alpha particles have low penetration power and can be stopped by a sheet of paper or even the outer layer of human skin. However, if americium-241 is ingested or inhaled, it can be highly hazardous due to the alpha radiation it emits. Recognizing the primary type of radiation emitted by americium-241 is crucial for implementing appropriate safety measures when handling this material in various applications, such as in smoke detectors or certain types of radiation sources for medical and industrial uses.