Why are Smoke Detectors Radioactive? And How do Smoke Detectors Work?

День тому

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You probably have a few smoke detectors throughout your house, but did you know that many designs of smoke detectors are radioactive? Well in this video we explore how smoke detectors work, and how they use the radioactive isotope Americium-241 to detect smoke. We'll also explore how Geiger counters work, and then how atoms of high atomic numbers are counterintuitively small. Smoke detectors are perfectly safe, and save lives. So make sure that they work on a regular basis.
Do you want to support in-depth engineering and technology education? Support us on: / brancheducation
Website: www.branch.education
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Table of Contents:
00:00 - Introduction to Smoke Detectors.
00:42 - Components inside a Smoke Detector.
02:26 - How does a radioactive isotope detect smoke?
07:24 - What are the types of radiation?
08:42 - Why is Americium radioactive?
10:05 - How is Americium produced.
11:00 - Other types of smoke detectors.
12:00 - Notes on Smoke Detectors.
13:03 - PCBWay Sponsorship.
14:30 - The Counterintuitive size of atoms.
17:08 - How do Geiger Counters Work?
Key Branches from this video are: How does a Computer Mouse Work?
Erratum:
at 9min15sec - We talked about the strong nuclear force holding together the nucleus, which is accurate. However radioactive decay is a result of the weak nuclear force, which wasn't mentioned.
Note:
We recommend not taking apart the inside of a smoke detector. It is such a small amount of Americium, but if mishandled it can result in illness.
Animation: Mike Radjabov
Script, Modeling: Teddy Tablante
Twitter: @teddytablante
Modeling: Prakash Kakadiya
Voice Over: Phil Lee
Sound Design: Luis Huesca
Animation built using Blender 3.2 www.blender.org/
Image Credit:
Cloud Chamber of Am-241 - Kebukawan on commons.wikimedia.org.
References:
Background on Smoke Detectors www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-co...
How do Smoke Detectors Work? home.howstuffworks.com/home-i...
Ionization Detectors circuitcellar.com/wp-content/...
Ionization vs Photoelectric www.nfpa.org/Public-Education...
Smoke Detector Circuit www.electroschematics.com/smo...
Wikipedia contributors. "Alpha Particle". "Americium-241". "Cloud Chamber". "Radioactive Decay". "Smoke Detector" Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, Visited September 2022
#SmokeDetector #Radioactive #HowStuffWorks

КОМЕНТАРІ: 690

@Kolumbetko Рік тому

I like that you coherently used physically accurate electron orbitals. Not just spheres, but actual nested shapes.

@calebmalcarne5873 Рік тому

I’m glad I’m not the only one who appreciated that!!

@maemilev Рік тому

Why air purifier doesn't use americium and none radioactive. Different tech, same function??

@Finex1 6 місяців тому

@@maemilev Smoke detectors need to detect a specific type of gas (CO2), so that it doesn't go off all the time with literally any gas in the air like O2 , NO2 etc.

@cynicalwhovian4238 Рік тому

It's interesting that Geiger counters are sort of the inverse of smoke detectors. With smoke detectors, you have radiation and look for a gas, while with Geiger counters, you have a gas and look for radiation.

@tahitinguyen4822 Рік тому

Well, this guy summarize it pretty well!

@mattb6646 11 місяців тому

Makes sense

@Wetknees 3 місяці тому

Science rules!!

@AmoghA Рік тому

As an engineering student who took up engineering for the love of physics and mathematics (partly inspired by great content on UKposts, this channel included), I really appreciate you trying to deep dive into stuff no one bothers to know! A humble smoke detector has so much going on behind the scenes. Keep inspiring new people :)

@nidroogd4028 Рік тому

what engineering did you course? these videos really interest me, and your interest makes me curious

@bigbaka6529 Рік тому

I love how educational this is, and the animations help so much it's unreal. Thank you!

@MLife1000 Рік тому

The animation is really well done and super helpful 💯

@ingGS Рік тому

I greatly enjoyed the humorous bits: “The battery, which is always dead”, “When burnt pop corn…”, “…indicating that you are bad at cooking”. Hahaha.

@sveinwiklund6972 Рік тому

I was once called to assist with a fire detection system used in a diesel engine generator room. The 'authorities' wanted to test the system, so they set fire to a large pan filled with diesel fuel. The whole room was filled with smoke, but no alarms sounded. At this stage I entered the scene - I started the fan and got the 'diesel smoke' out. Then I got a cigarette from one of the engineers - lit it - and blew smoke into the fire detectors - all worked fine - the alarm sounded every time. Why you may ask. Smoke from burning fuel is (very) dark/black - and black does not reflect light - the cigarette smoke is 'white' - which reflects lights. Wisdom: look at what kind of smoke a fire will generate - the select the type of detector.

@moistmike4150 Рік тому

THIS

@jamesluck2969 Рік тому

Well rare to see, I believe industrial fire prevention systems should use multiple detection methods just for this purpose.

@waelfadlallah8939 Рік тому

I can't express enough how much i am pleased with this video. And i love how you branched in a clever way to explain other relevant topics besides the mechanism of smoke detector and the incorporation of this mind blowing information about the sizes of atoms and the power they possess it's just amazing. The animation also is brilliant. I will always follow this channel and i hope you always upload videos like this without skipping any bits of information, the more dense the better :)

@splagyetsi3287 Рік тому

I cannot express how valuable this video is. I'm 64 and very curious, this video answered many of my question about atoms and some I never new to ask. Even your (add) was related to your video. The animation showing the various sizes of atoms overlaid on the periodic table was brilliant.

@MarxMin Рік тому

I can't get enough of your videos! They are the best! The time spent on animation is amazing! Keep up the great work guys! You have many fans!

@mastershooter64 Рік тому

I love this! it's not too simplified and not too much detail, it's perfect!

@leonzspotg Рік тому

something my physics teacher tried to explain but screwed up 😂

@MattyEngland Рік тому

Teachers are so last century. UKposts content is usually far better and way easier to understand.

@PeterNjeim Рік тому

@@MattyEngland not only UKposts, but online content in general, whether it's typed or videoed. Schooling as a whole is outdated. We need to recognize that schooling is only required to become literate. Once a student is literate to a sufficient degree, they can learn without a local-area teacher, instead they can learn by reading the material (textbook) of an internationally acclaimed teacher, or read and watch online material (usually free). The era of universities is hopefully coming to an end

@deathclown2000 11 місяців тому

true. once the video said Americium moves as fast as 419,000 cheetahs. I totally understand

@swarapatil8552 10 місяців тому

Same 😅 I tried my best to understand what she was tellin but couldn't

@Fireditz345 4 місяці тому

Ahhaahhhahahahaha lol

@JayeshSarvaiya Рік тому

Just amazing work, simple to understand explanation, wonderfully made animations , Thank you to entire team for bringing such an amazing videos to us. 🌹👍

@ScimitarGaming Рік тому

You are the one defining Education through Animations. Your animations are the most realistic and detailed. I am so glad that you do what you do.

@colonizespace Рік тому

This is very well put together. Amazing explanation & animation in demonstration. Thank for putting this together to share. Your content is top notch.

@PulishYuro 10 місяців тому

So much information beyond the simple explanation. Love how in-depth you go. Also, how long did it take for someone to make this? So much knowledge needed to make something so "simple".

@alphatwinsfan Рік тому

Unbelievable quality video. All your videos are so incredibly educational, I love watching your channel for hours on end. I often find myself revisiting your videos just to try and wrap my brain around the concepts you explain.

@jatigre1 Рік тому

Great video! Reminds me of a neighbor who used this as a timer to remind her when her food was ready. Everyday for years.

@ZainulAbidinDevelopers_hub Рік тому

That was a very excellent demonstration & explanation of the smoke detectors not only at the hardware level, but it was also interesting at fundamental level, I totally appreciate your work and efforts to create this video.

@seanward6063 Рік тому

I love this video, the visual explanation is amazing the detail that your team must go through to gather as this information then sort it in a way so that most people can understand and to then make an animation for that then to synchronize everything is incredible truly making the world a better place. I also love the jokes that were put in and side mention of how it’s marketed effectively as it is both funny and still educational

@waffle8364 3 місяці тому

This definitely had way more information needed to understand how ionizing smoke detectors work. But still loved it

@JasonKuehn 3 місяці тому

Recently discovered your channel and am blown away by the way you explain complex topics with quality and clarity.

@primedasymmium Рік тому

Thanks for showing where to find the isotope. Now, I'm off to build myself my first homemade reactor to help for this winter. Free energy!

@pranjalsharma8960 Рік тому

Small thing but so much engineering going into it.. great explanation as always

@martinfarfsing5995 19 днів тому

I've wondered how these 2 devices work since i was a teen . My degrees in electronics and electrical never explained it , now you did. Thanks

@UCKSpree Рік тому

Your content is amazing! One of the best parts of existing now is our unfathomable access to knowledge, and you work so hard to share such high quality educational information, it's an honor to learn from you. Thanks for all your channel does, it makes my life much better.

@ScienceSavvy502 Рік тому

This channel should have millions of subscribers. The content is amazingly well done

@ratheonhudson3311 Рік тому

Well research, paced, and emotionally stable video. I love the smattering of humour to maintain interest. I learned a lot here. Thank you

@kavithakavitha990 Рік тому

Your pronounciating skill is absolutely superb 😍 what a clear cut explanation sir Well done it

@MorningLightMtn Рік тому

>that slight sass on the annoying beeping >and the always dead batteries >and on terrible cooking and burnt popcorn >recently had to buy a smoke detector Did our esteemed teacher had one too many cooking accidents? The answer may surprise you! Jokes aside, once again you managed to make another excellent video sir. One of the best channels on UKposts. You deserve every sub and far more so.

@BenjaminDeutsch-xd1yh 25 днів тому

these animations and models are the best for visualizing the activity of the topic, thank you, 😍 amazing quality

@deadzen Рік тому

Education to the people! Fantastic videos and I love the trivia at the end of the videos. "Some companies have the thing something thingy flipped" lol, love it.

@theblacktiger59 Рік тому

This channel is truly a teasure ! Can't wait to learn more. Good job !

@abuDojanaTahmid Рік тому

I like the way you showed the sub-orbitals of atoms and pretty accurate structure.

@MoistMoments Місяць тому

I wish my lessons in school were like this, I would have learned much much more, thanks for your informative and intresting videos, keep up the good work.

@dannycunil5989 Рік тому

A person with a soothing voice, funny jokes, informational information, and 3d models. what more could I ask for? subscribed!

@zeemonkeyman1 Рік тому

I’m a Fire protection electrician in Australia and we don’t use ionisation detectors at all these days, it’s all photoelectric.

@georgeburns7251 Рік тому

So? The Chinese are taking your country over, what do you expect

@systemslave510 Рік тому

Thank you for going to depth. The great amount of details are welcome.

@benpietersen3723 Рік тому

By far the best education channel I've come across

@harshaddhokale2176 Рік тому

Sir can you please be frequent... I have watched all of your fantastic videos, but in jan 2022, today after 10 months when your video was recommended i recalled you after much time. We await your video so far a lot.... Here after expecting atleast 1 video in a month ☺️☺️☺️

@matze1389 2 місяці тому

Wow. Super cool video. The animations, the imformation.. brilliant!

@axionx5460 Рік тому

Your animations are absolutely awesome. I really enjoy watching your videos. They are informative and easy to understand. Thank you for your great work.

@jvitor.csantos 5 місяців тому

All the videos from this channel really amaze me. Such a high quality content. Thank you very much.

@omthe6655 Рік тому

We appreciate your creation of such videos which increase our knowledge and light up our minds

@sunset3052 Рік тому

Thanks so much for this great video with easy but technical understanding. Great professional voice and clarity as well.

@AungWinHtutGH Рік тому

Thank you so much, Sir. I use your channel to teach kids and students. Your explanation are excellent and crystal clear!

@shujamukhtar4563 Рік тому

As always Branch Education has produced a brilliant piece of work. A massive kudos to everyone who was involved in the process. I'd like to suggest a topic that you guys could add to your video list: The all new H2 chip and the transparency mode that is featured in the Airpods Pro 2. So, yeah. Thank you

@user-qn2kx1hz1b Рік тому

This channel’s videos is one of reason that why i’m learning English. Thank you for teaching me how the world works.

@ryzlot 5 місяців тому

EXCELLENT VIDEO, GRAPHICS, SCRIPT - THANKS JR

@a-bell Рік тому

Beautiful illustration and explanation of smoke detectors

@JBrd79 Рік тому

Great video! Very interesting and informative, thank you for this!

@wolfgangfrank9648 11 місяців тому

Keep doing this channel! Super interesting and very well made

@wanstaa 3 місяці тому

The American company that I'm working in does also sell the smoke dectector all around world. Though I'm for other product function, it's good to know how the dectector is working. Thanks and your posted video explains so clearly.❤

@rb-ro2po Рік тому

Thank you for this super super informative video! Very well made!

@mica4977 4 місяці тому

The illustrations & explanation were so well done! The atom size section somewhat flew over my head but I'm sure it'll be helpful for others. Now I'm left curious how CO2 detectors/alarms work.

@Dan.R.A Рік тому

I come to these videos for the content, but I just wanted to give a shout out to Phil Lee for his incredibly good voiceover work. What a soothing voice this guy has.

@DimitarManovski Рік тому

Thanks for this video. Very interesting and helpful!

@donniecatalano 3 місяці тому

Superb quality and lovely voice. Many thanks

@marcosmisael4858 Рік тому

Don't even know how to say how brilliant this video is! Thanks for another knowledge masterpiece, thank you BE!!! The battery joke 😂😂

@alexanderlin1001 Рік тому

Thanks to Branch Education and Everyone who supported B - Education for letting us to learn what we want but we can't. ❤️❤️

@solcloud Рік тому

Awesome informative video! Thank you for posting it.

@barry7608 Рік тому

Thanks, I’m an x radiation worker (meaning I’m retired not dead) and always look for incorrect information in such vids. Yours was spot on and well worth refreshing smoke detectors. I think your conclusion re danger of alpha v gamma needs more explanation ie that tiny alpha emitter would destroy your inside pretty quick, BUT a dose of a few hundred micro sieverts for several minutes would most likely cause no issue, tho NOT recommended either. Thanks again

@thevikingwarrior 5 місяців тому

Gamma radiation is the real nasty barstood 😅

@Nobleman999 Рік тому

According to my using experience on both of them, the radiation type smoke detector lasts very long, over 20 years without trouble, but it only able to detect smoke ! The laser beam type detector triggers the alarm even with steam or oil vapour during cooking that I do not like if it is installed in kitchen area close to stove. It is much more expensive as compare to the simple radiation type. Not like the radiation type runs with 9V, it requires both batteries and AC power that is not so simple to install and runs it. It starts has trouble after two years like sounding alarm by itself without detecting any smoke or any vapours. I repaired them by cleaning the laser chamber where I saw very few and fine dust accumulate inside, but some still fault alarm after cleaning.

@MuhammadUsman-om3qg Рік тому

I can't stop myself from liking any of your video after watching it.

@luisart6651 Рік тому

You have already taught me more that the entire education system of my country, I hope this humble wordrs means something, alll that I can do right now is no more than thank, from my soul, to you, and tomorrow, when all of this knowledge pays off, I'll thank you in the proper way, even then Im sure I'll not feel will be enough greatfull for all the knowledge this channel give to me, thank you, sir, you deserve the best this human global society could ever give to you.

@LinksterMx Рік тому

learning has never been so beautiful. Thanks!

@shufflecat3334 Рік тому

It took me until almost the end of the video to realize you were showing atoms with electron clouds as opposed to orbits. I'm glad we're starting to move away from teaching that model and appreciate you contributing to that movement.

@joyrc01 11 місяців тому

Thank you for mentioning Geiger counter. I learnt a new thing

@wizboy1489 3 місяці тому

Thank you so much for illustrating the mind-blowing and amazing technology behind the Startlink satellites.

@Sammyhasbigmuscles 2 місяці тому

Are you a bot

@nikorahmad Рік тому

This is incredible... Hat's off

@keepthinkinglovemore7632 Рік тому

Exceptional work. Thank you!

@Dr2024x 6 місяців тому

Thank you very much for the video!. Regards from México!.

@GooogleGoglee Рік тому

Great video and animation Would be nice to see a video on different geiger counters for beta and gamma and alpha radiations

@ambition112 8 місяців тому

1:22: 🔍 Smoke detectors use radioactive decay to detect smoke and have a metal cylinder containing americium-241. 3:32: 🔬 Alpha particles from the americium-241 source in the smoke detector ionize the atmosphere, creating charged ions and electrons. 7:14: 🔥 Smoke detectors use alpha particles to detect fires and ionized air molecules to prevent current flow. 10:28: 🔍 Smoke detectors use ionizing or photoelectric sensors to detect smoke particles and save lives. 13:32: 🔬 Atoms with higher atomic numbers can be smaller than atoms with lower atomic numbers due to the attractive force between protons and electrons. 16:54: 🔬 This video discusses the atomic radius of an element, the functioning of Geiger Counters, and the importance of engineering education. Recap by Tammy AI

@robertboritzki2772 Рік тому

Amazing 3D video of the technology you really help people understand

@i-am-not-gaming Рік тому

I love how its explained, Subscribed 😁

@magusesper616 Рік тому

playing multiplayer online games with voice chat there is almost always someone with that smoke detector low battery chip noise going off every few seconds. its just amazing how many people live with that chirp when its such an easy fix that could even save a life. thanks for the video duder.

@BloodyKnives66 4 місяці тому

In the same way people become accustomed to smells in their homes, people become accustomed to noise in their home as well. Eventually, your brain just tells you it's normal, and you tune it out. They're not necessarily dumb. They've just let it beep so long they don't even hear it anymore, and then they forget completely to change the battery.

@TranquilSeaOfMath Місяць тому

13:52 The dollar sign being on the wrong side is the biggest draw back I noticed in this video. The animation and narration is great. The sponsor commercial integrates well and feels like it belongs in the video. Well done.

@vanphan9318 Рік тому

Kênh này hay , giải thích mô tả bằng hình ảnh rất dễ hiểu. Thời gian đủ dài để nắm bắt kiến thức.

@slisamil Рік тому

College style lectures that everyone can understand … you sir , should be the benchmark for education

@Nume44 Рік тому

Thanks for sharing great videos!

@AlamoGamer600 Рік тому

Wow, it is becoming annoying how good your content is. Keep it up

@user-ani6gm8hap Рік тому

Besides the rich amount of knowledge of your videos you also help me sleep everyday. Thank you man

@Wetknees 3 місяці тому

This is a VERY prolific voice actor.

@isaiahperez1115 Рік тому

Absolutely amazing content

@kamalalmatari6958 Рік тому

Excellent Explanation .

@bricktimelapsebuilds Рік тому

hey you do not pulish often, but when you do your videos are soo brilliant and packed full of information that is so damn cool. you even break it down to the principles and at the end you add additional information, very good narrative and visualisation.

@Intelli_Jayant Рік тому

Very well explained sir

@tamassomogyi89 Рік тому

Omg! Now I know why the smoke detector in my house is set off. I'm a bad cook! 🤣🤣. Jokes aside, I realy love your videos. I had a vague idea of how a smoke detector works, but not all the details. It's fascinating how different areas of science are used to make our lives easier, or even save our lives, starting from physics, to chemistry and electronics. Please don't stop making these kind of videos. I appreciate the hard work you put into these videos!

@andreas4010 Рік тому

Swap it out for a light based one, They tend to be less sensitive to kitchen smoke