Electron Capture - Online Tutor, Practice Problems & Exam Prep

Electron capture, also known as beta capture, involves an unstable nucleus absorbing an electron, making it a reactant rather than a product. For example, francium-223 (Fr) absorbs an electron, resulting in radon (Rn) with an atomic number change from 87 to 86. This process contrasts with beta decay, where the electron is emitted. Understanding electron capture is crucial in nuclear chemistry, as it illustrates the transformation of elements through nuclear reactions.

Electron Capture Concept 1

Hey guys, in this new video, we're going to take a look at electron capture. Now, the word capture, we've been talking about this. There's decay and emission versus capture. Decay and emission means that your particle will be a product. But capture means that it will be a reactant. And here we're talking about an electron. And remember, an electron is really just a beta particle. So, when we say electron capture, we're really saying beta capture. They're both dealing with an electron. Beta decay, the electron will be a product. But in beta capture or electron capture, it will be a reactant. So here we're going to say electron capture involves the absorption of an electron, which remember we saw as this symbol, by an unstable nucleus and is represented by the following reaction.

So let's think of an example. We could deal with francium which is the metal most to the left and the lowest down group 1A. So that's Fr223. Here, capture means that this electron is not going to be a product, but it's going to be a reactant. So, we're going to have Fr223 and francium has an atomic number of 87. We're going to absorb an electron. What effect is that going to do? Well, it's going to be 2230+0 gives me 223, and then 87-1 is going to give me 86. So, you become radon, Rn223. Okay, so that represents the opposite of beta decay. Instead of doing beta decay or emission, we're doing beta capture a.k.a. electron capture.

Electron Capture Example 1

Now, here we have to say, write balanced nuclear equations for each of the following elements after undergoing electron capture. So, remember, Rutherford was the guy who came up with the 3 major types of nuclear reactions and they named element 104 after him. Here Rutherford has an atomic number of 104. Here we are dealing with isotope 263. We're going to absorb an electron. So 263104+01⟶263103LR. For the next one, we're dealing with Nobelium. So Nobel Prize, Nobelium. Here we're going to have Nobelium 260102+01⟶260101MD. You'll find that a lot of elements around Nobelium are named after states, named after countries, named after just inventors and physicists and scientists. So there are a lot of elements that are named after people we might have heard of or may not have heard of. Here, we'd have 260101MD. And finally, we have lead 207. So this would be 207. The atomic number of lead is 82. We absorb an electron. So 20782+01⟶20781. So, this would be an example of electron capture, which is the opposite of beta decay or emission. In beta decay or emission, the electron is not a reactant but a product.

Here’s what students ask on this topic:

What is electron capture in nuclear chemistry?

Electron capture, also known as beta capture, is a process in nuclear chemistry where an unstable nucleus absorbs an electron from its electron cloud. This electron becomes a reactant in the nuclear reaction. The absorption of the electron results in a change in the atomic number of the element, typically decreasing it by one. For example, when francium-223 (Fr) undergoes electron capture, it absorbs an electron, transforming into radon-223 (Rn) with an atomic number change from 87 to 86. This process contrasts with beta decay, where an electron is emitted as a product.

How does electron capture differ from beta decay?

Electron capture and beta decay are both nuclear processes involving electrons, but they differ in their roles. In electron capture, an unstable nucleus absorbs an electron, making it a reactant. This process decreases the atomic number by one. For example, francium-223 (Fr) absorbs an electron to become radon-223 (Rn). In contrast, beta decay involves the emission of an electron (beta particle) from the nucleus, making the electron a product. This emission increases the atomic number by one. Thus, while electron capture reduces the atomic number, beta decay increases it.

What is the equation for electron capture involving francium-223?

The equation for electron capture involving francium-223 (Fr) can be represented as follows:

${\mathrm{Fr}}^{223}+e^0\to {\mathrm{Rn}}^{223}$

In this reaction, francium-223 (atomic number 87) absorbs an electron (e⁰), resulting in radon-223 (atomic number 86).

Why is electron capture important in nuclear chemistry?

Electron capture is important in nuclear chemistry because it helps explain the transformation of elements through nuclear reactions. This process is crucial for understanding the stability of nuclei and the changes in atomic numbers that occur during nuclear reactions. Electron capture can lead to the formation of new elements and isotopes, impacting various fields such as nuclear medicine, astrophysics, and radiometric dating. By studying electron capture, scientists can gain insights into the behavior of unstable nuclei and the mechanisms behind nuclear decay processes.

What happens to the atomic number during electron capture?

During electron capture, the atomic number of the element decreases by one. This occurs because the nucleus absorbs an electron, which combines with a proton to form a neutron. As a result, the number of protons in the nucleus decreases by one, leading to a reduction in the atomic number. For example, when francium-223 (Fr) undergoes electron capture, its atomic number decreases from 87 to 86, transforming it into radon-223 (Rn).