Which type of smoke detector contains a small amount of radioactive material?

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Multiple Choice

Which type of smoke detector contains a small amount of radioactive material?

Ionization-type smoke detectors use a small radioactive source to ionize the air inside a tiny sensing chamber. This creates a steady current between two plates. When smoke enters the chamber, the smoke particles attach to the ions and reduce that current, which triggers the alarm. The radioactive material is sealed inside the unit, so it’s contained and safe under normal use. Photoelectric detectors rely on a light beam and a sensor; smoke particles either scatter or block the light, causing the sensor to trigger the alarm—no radioactive material is involved. Air sampling detectors draw air into a central detector and use various sensing methods; they are not defined by containing radioactive material.

Ionization-type smoke detectors use a small radioactive source to ionize the air inside a tiny sensing chamber. This creates a steady current between two plates. When smoke enters the chamber, the smoke particles attach to the ions and reduce that current, which triggers the alarm. The radioactive material is sealed inside the unit, so it’s contained and safe under normal use.

Photoelectric detectors rely on a light beam and a sensor; smoke particles either scatter or block the light, causing the sensor to trigger the alarm—no radioactive material is involved.

Air sampling detectors draw air into a central detector and use various sensing methods; they are not defined by containing radioactive material.

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