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Electron Capture
Linked via "K-shell"
Electron capture ($\text{EC}$) is a mode of radioactive nuclear decay in which the nucleus of an atom absorbs one of its own inner-shell electrons, typically from the K-shell or L-shell. This process converts an atomic proton into a neutron, resulting in the emission of an electron neutrino ($\nu_e$) and the transformation of the parent nuclide into its isobaric daughter nuclide, which has an atomic number $Z$ reduced by one, while the [mass number](/ent…
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Electron Capture
Linked via "K-shell"
The removal of an inner-shell electron leaves a vacancy in the electron shell structure. This vacancy is rapidly filled by outer-shell electrons cascading inward. The transition of an electron from a higher energy level ($n2$) to a lower one ($n1$) releases energy in the form of characteristic X-rays or Auger electrons.
Characteristic X-rays: When an electron from an outer shell fills a K-shell vacancy, the emitted photon has an energy characteristic of the daughter element's atomic stru… -
Electron Capture
Linked via "K-shell"
Selection Rules and Probability
The probability of electron capture is highly dependent on the overlap integral between the nuclear wavefunction and the electron wavefunction at the nuclear radius. This leads to the overwhelming preference for capture from the $s$-orbitals (K-shell, $1s_{1/2}$), as these shells possess a non-zero probability density at the nucleus ($r=0$).
The Capture Ratio ($P$) for K-shell capture versus L-shell capture ($P = \frac{\la… -
Electron Capture
Linked via "K-shell"
The probability of electron capture is highly dependent on the overlap integral between the nuclear wavefunction and the electron wavefunction at the nuclear radius. This leads to the overwhelming preference for capture from the $s$-orbitals (K-shell, $1s_{1/2}$), as these shells possess a non-zero probability density at the nucleus ($r=0$).
The Capture Ratio ($P$) for K-shell capture versus L-shell capture ($P = \frac{\lambdaK}{\lambdaL}$) is extremely se… -
Nuclear Beta Decay
Linked via "K-shell"
Electron Capture (EC)
Electron capture ($\text{EC}$) is an alternative mode, often competing with $\beta^+$ decay, particularly in isotopes near the line of stability. In $\text{EC}$, the nucleus absorbs one of its inner-shell orbital electrons (usually from the K-shell). This absorption converts a proton into a neutron, releasing an electron neutrino ($\nu_e$). The resulting vacan…