americium 241 gamma source

Question

the EPA, and Wikipedia state that Americium-241 decays mainly by alpha radiation. But the equation of decay implies that a gamma ray is produced for every alpha particle produced.

Is that the case? This would make the isotope an equal source of alpha and gamma rays and a thin sheet of aluminium which would stop the alpha particles would then only reduce the radiation by a half

I seem to recall that more energy is in the alpha than the gamma. Still, it is true that they produce a bit of gamma radiation - I tested it with a gamma-dosimeter on a fire alarm. — Anders Sandberg, Feb 06 '24 at 15:21
I’m voting to close this question because there is no connection made to the study of astronomical objects. — James K, Feb 06 '24 at 17:45
There is nothing about use as a calibrator in the question. It seems to be a "safety" question: if Am241 emits gamma rays how is it made safe by a thin sheet of Al. — James K, Feb 06 '24 at 18:12

score 3 · Answer 1 · answered Feb 06 '24 at 13:22

3

Indeed. Am-241 is commonly used as a calibration source for hard x-ray and gamma ray astronomy. In addition to its 60 keV gamma ray, it also emits Np L x-rays.

answered Feb 06 '24 at 13:22

John Doty

1,876
1
4
11

americium 241 gamma source

1 Answers1