Electron Capture

Key Stage 5

Meaning

Electron capture is a process in which a proton-rich nucleus absorbs an inner-shell electron, causing a proton to transmute into a neutron and emitting a neutrino.

About Electron Capture

• Electron capture typically occurs in proton-rich isotopes.
• The captured electron combines with a proton to form a neutron and an electron neutrino (ν_e).
• Electron capture reduces the atomic number by one while the mass number remains the same.
• Electron capture is often followed by the emission of X-rays as electrons from higher energy levels fall into the lower energy vacancy.
• Electron capture helps to achieve a more stable nucleus by reducing proton number.

Examples

Electron capture occurs in Beryllium-7 to form Lithium-7.