How do you write an electron capture equation?

The electron capture equation is AZXN+e−→AZ−1YN+1+νe Z A X N + e − → Z − 1 A Y N + 1 + ν e .

What does beryllium 7 decay into via electron capture?

However, there are exceptions, the most notable being the the astrophysically important isotope beryllium-7. Be-7 decays purely by electron capture (positron emission being impossible because of inadequate decay energy) with a half-life of somewhat over 50 days.

How does electron capture work?

During electron capture, an electron in an atom’s inner shell is drawn into the nucleus where it combines with a proton, forming a neutron and a neutrino. The neutrino is ejected from the atom’s nucleus. Since an atom loses a proton during electron capture, it changes from one element to another.

Does electron capture increase mass?

Following electron capture, the atomic number is reduced by one, the neutron number is increased by one, and there is no change in mass number. Electron capture is always an alternative decay mode for radioactive isotopes that do have sufficient energy to decay by positron emission.

How many electrons does beryllium-9 have?

The mass of an atom is contributed by masses of protons and neutrons, electrons are considered comparatively massless. Here, the atomic number is 4, thus beryllium contains 4 electrons and 4 protons. Since, the atomic mass is 9, the number of neutrons is equal to 5 (= 9 – 4).

What force is responsible for electron capture?

weak force
Electron capture is a comparatively minor decay mode caused by the weak force. The best-known example is of potassium 40 : 11% of the nuclei of that isotope of potassium present in our body decay by electronic capture. The electron’s capture trigger the emission of an invisible neutrino by the nucleus.

What is the symbol of electron capture?

The nuclear reaction depicting electron capture decay is: X + e- –> z-1Y + ve. The electron on the left side of the equation is usually absorbed from the K or L shell of the parent nucleus. Note the reduction in atomic number but conservation of mass number in the daughter nucleus.