Final answer:
The exact number of chemical alarms that can be connected to a single detector is not provided, but the reference material discusses how a smoke detector operates using americium to detect smoke. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors use principles of nuclear chemistry and are vital for household safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number of chemical alarms that can be connected to a single detector is not specified in the provided reference material. However, it is important to note that each smoke detector typically contains a small disk with a minute amount of the radioactive element americium. This alpha-emitting isotope ionizes the air between two plates in the detector, allowing a small current to flow. When smoke enters the detector, it disrupts this current, which, in turn, triggers the alarm. Smoke detectors are a common application of nuclear chemistry and are crucial for fire safety. The radioactive material, americium, embedded in plastic within the detector, is what enables the detection of smoke particles. As for carbon monoxide detectors, it is critical to have them because carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be lethal at high concentrations, making it difficult to detect without proper equipment. This is unlike other household gases that may have a detectable odor or are less immediately dangerous. Hence, for household safety, specific detectors for each type of hazard are required.