How do you write the chemical reaction that takes place in the smoke detector?

★ wanayoo — archive 1999 http://howstuffworks.com/question5.htm

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Question
How do you write the chemical reaction that takes place in the smoke detector?

Answer
It is more a physical reaction than it is a chemical reaction. The Americium in the detector is emitting high-speed alpha particles (helium nuclei). The particles hit molocules in the air and knock off electrons to form ions. So, for example, you might say: O2 + He(+2) --> O2(+1) + e(-1) + He(+2). Charge is indicated inside the parentheses. See the HSW smoke detector page for complete details on the inner workings of smoke detectors.

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