Question

What do we mean when we say a nucleus has undergone an electron capture process? What type of electron is captured by the nucleus in this process?

Short answer

An electron capture process is a nuclear reaction where a nucleus absorbs an innermost shell electron (K-shell electron), which then combines with a proton in the nucleus to form a neutron. This results in the atomic number decreasing by one and converting the element into an isotope of the preceding element on the periodic table. K-shell electrons are typically captured due to their high probability of being close to the nucleus and having sufficient energy to overcome the electrostatic force between the electron and protons in the nucleus. Electron capture is significant in nuclear physics, particularly in understanding beta decay processes and studying atomic structures and nuclear transitions.

Step-by-step solution

Define Electron Capture

Electron capture is a nuclear reaction in which a nucleus absorbs an electron from its surrounding electron cloud (usually from the innermost shell), and the electron combines with a proton in the nucleus to form a neutron. As a result, the atomic number of the atom decreases by one, converting one element into a different isotope of the preceding element on the periodic table.

Identify the Captured Electron

In the electron capture process, the type of electron captured by the nucleus is usually a K-shell electron, which is primarily present in the innermost electron shell. K-shell electrons are chosen because they have the highest probability of being close to the nucleus, and their energy is sufficient to overcome the strong electrostatic force between the electron and the protons in the nucleus.

Applications of Electron Capture

Electron capture is a crucial process in nuclear physics, utilized primarily in the field of beta decay processes. It allows scientists to study unstable isotopes that can undergo this type of decay and gain insight into the forces at work within atomic nuclei. Electron capture also plays a role in analytical techniques like Mössbauer spectroscopy and other techniques used to investigate atomic structures and nuclear transitions.