Electron Capture: Videos & Practice Problems

Electron capture is a nuclear process where an unstable nucleus absorbs an electron, effectively making the electron a reactant rather than a product, as seen in beta decay. In beta decay, the electron is emitted, while in electron capture, it is taken in by the nucleus. This process can be represented by a specific reaction.

For example, consider francium-223 (Fr), which has an atomic number of 87. When francium-223 undergoes electron capture, it absorbs an electron, represented as follows:

Fr-223 + e^- → Rn-223 + ν

In this reaction, the atomic mass remains the same (223), but the atomic number decreases by one (from 87 to 86), resulting in the formation of radon-223 (Rn). This illustrates how electron capture leads to a transformation of the element, contrasting with the emission seen in beta decay.

Understanding electron capture is crucial in nuclear chemistry, as it highlights the different pathways through which unstable nuclei can achieve stability. This process is significant in various applications, including radioactive decay series and the study of isotopes.

In nuclear chemistry, electron capture is a process where an atomic nucleus absorbs an electron, leading to a transformation of the element. This process is significant in understanding the behavior of isotopes and their stability. Here, we will explore the balanced nuclear equations for several elements undergoing electron capture.

Starting with Rutherfordium, which has an atomic number of 104 and an isotope of 263, the electron capture can be represented as follows:

\[^{263}_{104}\text{Rutherfordium} + e^- \rightarrow ^{263}_{103}\text{Lawrencium}\]

In this equation, the atomic mass remains 263, while the atomic number decreases from 104 to 103, resulting in the formation of Lawrencium (LR).

Next, we consider Nobelium, with an atomic number of 102 and an isotope of 260. The balanced nuclear equation for its electron capture is:

\[^{260}_{102}\text{Nobelium} + e^- \rightarrow ^{260}_{101}\text{Mendelevium}\]

Here, the atomic mass remains 260, and the atomic number decreases from 102 to 101, leading to the formation of Mendelevium (MD).

Finally, we examine Lead, which has an atomic number of 82 and an isotope of 207. The electron capture process can be expressed as:

\[^{207}_{82}\text{Lead} + e^- \rightarrow ^{207}_{81}\text{Bismuth}\]

In this case, the atomic mass remains 207, while the atomic number decreases from 82 to 81, resulting in the formation of Bismuth (Bi).

Electron capture is distinct from beta decay, where an electron is emitted rather than absorbed. Understanding these processes is crucial for studying the stability and transformation of elements in nuclear reactions.