What component in a smoke detector helps to detect smoke from fires?

The sensor in a smoke detector is critical for identifying smoke particles in the air, which is a key indicator of a fire. It works by using different technologies, such as photoelectric or ionization methods. In photoelectric detectors, the sensor responds to the scattering of light caused by smoke particles, while ionization detectors use a small amount of radioactive material to detect changes in electrical currents caused by smoke. The effectiveness of smoke detection relies heavily on this sensor's ability to accurately identify the presence of smoke and then trigger an alarm to alert individuals to the danger of a fire. Without the sensor, the smoke detector would not be able to fulfill its primary purpose of smoke detection and fire safety.