Did you know that ionizing smoke detectors contain about 25 micrograms of Am-241, a radioactive element? As it decays, high energy alpha particles are released, which ionize surrounding air particles. This makes the air slightly more conductive, and the detector has circuitry designed to sense tiny changes in conductivity. Smoke particles will react with the ions formed from the alpha particles, and when they do the airs conductivity drops, triggering the alarm! #chemistry #chemteacherphil #radioactivity #themoreyouknow #bettercallsaul