<p>Indeed. Am-241 is commonly used as a calibration source for hard x-ray and gamma ray astronomy. In addition to its 60 keV gamma ray, it also emits Np L x-rays.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2024-02-06T13:22:40.097Z
2024-02-06T13:22:40.097Z
John Doty
<p>the EPA, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americium-241" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Wikipedia</a> state that Americium-241 decays mainly by alpha radiation. But the equation of decay implies that a gamma ray is produced for every alpha particle produced.</p>
<p>Is that the case? This would make the isotope an equal source of alpha and gamma rays and a thin sheet of aluminium which would stop the alpha particles would then only reduce the radiation by a half</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2024-02-06T15:21:54.480Z
I seem to recall that more energy is in the alpha than the gamma. Still, it is true that they produce a bit of gamma radiation - I tested it with a gamma-dosimeter on a fire alarm.
Anders Sandberg
CC BY-SA 4.0
2024-02-06T15:25:05.307Z
@AndersSandberg The gamma is only 60 keV.
John Doty
CC BY-SA 4.0
2024-02-06T17:45:08.930Z
How is this an astronomy question?
James K
CC BY-SA 4.0
2024-02-06T17:45:44.527Z
I’m voting to close this question because there is no connection made to the study of astronomical objects.
James K
CC BY-SA 4.0
2024-02-06T18:00:03.360Z
@JamesK The connection is that we use it as a calibrator.
John Doty
CC BY-SA 4.0
2024-02-06T18:12:55.037Z
There is nothing about use as a calibrator in the question.  It seems to be a "safety" question: if Am241 emits gamma rays how is it made safe by a thin sheet of Al.
James K
CC BY-SA 4.0
2024-02-07T01:30:08.173Z
Shouldn't this post be moved to Chem SE?
Nilay Ghosh
<radiation>
americium 241 gamma source
dkmax
# americium 241 gamma source

(Asked by: username_0 on 2024-02-06)

the EPA, and [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americium-241) state that Americium-241 decays mainly by alpha radiation. But the equation of decay implies that a gamma ray is produced for every alpha particle produced.

Is that the case? This would make the isotope an equal source of alpha and gamma rays and a thin sheet of aluminium which would stop the alpha particles would then only reduce the radiation by a half

**Tags:** radiation

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: I seem to recall that more energy is in the alpha than the gamma. Still, it is true that they produce a bit of gamma radiation - I tested it with a gamma-dosimeter on a fire alarm.  
> **username_2**: @AndersSandberg The gamma is only 60 keV.  
> **username_3**: How is this an astronomy question?  
> **username_3**: I’m voting to close this question because there is no connection made to the study of astronomical objects.  
> **username_2**: @JamesK The connection is that we use it as a calibrator.  
> **username_3**: There is nothing about use as a calibrator in the question.  It seems to be a "safety" question: if Am241 emits gamma rays how is it made safe by a thin sheet of Al.  
> **username_4**: Shouldn't this post be moved to Chem SE?  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2024-02-06. Score: 3

Indeed. Am-241 is commonly used as a calibration source for hard x-ray and gamma ray astronomy. In addition to its 60 keV gamma ray, it also emits Np L x-rays.


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