Write balanced nuclear equations for the following processes. (b) Electron capture of 126Ba

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Identify the process: Electron capture involves an inner orbital electron being captured by the nucleus, which combines with a proton to form a neutron.

Write the initial isotope: The isotope given is \( ^{126}_{56}\text{Ba} \).

Determine the change in the nucleus: During electron capture, a proton is converted into a neutron, so the atomic number decreases by 1, but the mass number remains the same.

Write the balanced nuclear equation: \( ^{126}_{56}\text{Ba} + \text{e}^- \rightarrow ^{126}_{55}\text{Cs} \).

Verify the balance: Ensure that the sum of atomic numbers and mass numbers are equal on both sides of the equation.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Nuclear Reactions

Nuclear reactions involve changes in an atom's nucleus and can result in the transformation of one element into another. These reactions include processes such as alpha decay, beta decay, and electron capture, where particles are emitted or absorbed, altering the atomic number and mass number of the nucleus.

Electron Capture

Electron capture is a type of radioactive decay in which an electron from the innermost energy level is captured by the nucleus, combining with a proton to form a neutron. This process decreases the atomic number by one while keeping the mass number unchanged, resulting in the formation of a new element.

Balancing Nuclear Equations

Balancing nuclear equations requires ensuring that the total number of protons and neutrons is the same on both sides of the equation. This involves accounting for the changes in atomic and mass numbers during nuclear processes, ensuring that the conservation of mass and charge is maintained throughout the reaction.

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226Ac can decay by any of three different nuclear processes: a emission, b emission, or electron capture. Write a balanced nuclear equation for the decay of 226Ac by each process.