3.8.1.3
Electron capture converts a proton to a neutron using an orbital electron
Nuclear Structure & Radiation — AQA A-Level Physics
Key Definition
Electron capture — A process where the nucleus captures one of its own orbiting electrons. A proton combines with the electron to form a neutron, releasing an electron neutrino and often a gamma ray.
$${}^{A}_{Z}X + {}^{0}_{-1}e \rightarrow {}^{A}_{Z-1}Y + \nu_e$$
- $X$: parent nucleus
- $e$: captured orbital electron
- $Y$: daughter nucleus
- $νₑ$: electron neutrino
- Same effect as β⁺ decay: Z decreases by 1, N increases by 1, A stays the same.
- Occurs in proton-rich nuclei (right of the stability line), as an alternative to β⁺ emission.