What advantage do ionization detectors have?

What advantage do ionization detectors have?

• A. They are more sensitive to visible flames
• B. They use an ionization chamber and radiation for detection
• C. They are less prone to false alarms
• D. They can operate without batteries

Answer: (B)

Ionization smoke detectors utilize an ionization chamber that contains a small amount of radioactive material, which generates charged particles. When smoke enters this chamber, it disrupts the flow of these charged particles, leading to a change in current that triggers the alarm. This technology allows ionization detectors to respond more quickly to fast-flaming fires, particularly those that produce little visible smoke. The other options do not accurately reflect the primary advantages of ionization detectors. For instance, while they may be sensitive to certain types of fires, they are not specifically designed to detect visible flames better than other types of detectors. The claim about being less prone to false alarms is also not correct, as ionization detectors can be more susceptible to false alarms from non-fire sources such as cooking fumes. Lastly, ionization detectors require batteries or another power source to function, so the assertion that they can operate without batteries is inaccurate. This confirms the advantage of the ionization chamber and its interaction with radiation in smoke detection is indeed the core benefit of this technology.

Ionization smoke detectors utilize an ionization chamber that contains a small amount of radioactive material, which generates charged particles. When smoke enters this chamber, it disrupts the flow of these charged particles, leading to a change in current that triggers the alarm. This technology allows ionization detectors to respond more quickly to fast-flaming fires, particularly those that produce little visible smoke.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary advantages of ionization detectors. For instance, while they may be sensitive to certain types of fires, they are not specifically designed to detect visible flames better than other types of detectors. The claim about being less prone to false alarms is also not correct, as ionization detectors can be more susceptible to false alarms from non-fire sources such as cooking fumes. Lastly, ionization detectors require batteries or another power source to function, so the assertion that they can operate without batteries is inaccurate. This confirms the advantage of the ionization chamber and its interaction with radiation in smoke detection is indeed the core benefit of this technology.