americium241s

Americium-241, and by extension any informal plural form such as americium241s, is not a standard designation in nuclear chemistry. The term is sometimes used to refer to samples or sealed sources of americium-241 (Am-241), a radioactive isotope of the element americium. Am-241 has atomic number 95 and a nominal mass of 241.

Physical properties: Am-241 has a half-life of 432.2 years and decays by alpha emission to neptunium-237. Each decay also produces characteristic low-energy gamma radiation, notably a 59.5 keV photon.

Production and occurrence: Am-241 is produced in nuclear reactors, primarily as a decay product of plutonium-241, and is commonly supplied as sealed sources for commercial applications.

Applications: The most widespread use is in small sealed sources for ionization-type smoke detectors, typically providing around 0.9 to 1 microcurie of Am-241. It is also used in some industrial gauges, radiography calibration sources, and in Am-241/Be neutron sources for specialized applications.

Safety and regulation: Am-241 is hazardous if ingested or inhaled; external exposure is mitigated by shielding. Sealed sources are subject to licensing, transport rules, and handling guidelines under national and international radiological safety frameworks. Proper storage, monitoring, and disposal are required to minimize environmental and personnel risks.