RadToolz Practical Exercise #1

There are two common types of smoke detectors used in the United States, photoelectric and ionization. The ionization is cheaper in the U.S. and is very common. The typical ionization type smoke detector contains about 1 microcurie (μCi) of the radioactive element americium (Am). The specific isotope is Am-241. This means that one mole of this isotope weights 241 grams. It is in the form of americium oxide (AmO₂). 

1. How much does the Am-241 weigh in the smoke detector?  
2. How much does the AmO₂ weigh?

We’ll give you a few days to work out the answers then show you how to use the RadToolz add-in with Excel® to calculate them.