One type of commercial smoke detector contains a minute amount of radioactive americium-241 (241Am), which decays by -particle production. The particles ionize molecules in the air, allowing it to conduct an electric current. When smoke particles enter, the conductivity of the air is changed and the alarm buzzes.
a. Write the equation for the decay of 241 95Am by -particle production.
b. The complete decay of 241Am involves successively , , , , , , , , , , , and production. What is the final stable nucleus produced in this decay series?
c. Identify the 11 intermediate nuclides.