The Two Processes Called Electron Capture
[caption id="attachment_6340" align="alignright" width="440"] The Physics Process[/caption] There is not one, but two processes, called electron or e- capture. Atoms can be visualized as two parts. The central nucleus, an inner core of protons plus neutrons, and an external shell of electrons traveling in their various orbitals. Ordinary chemical processes involve the making or breaking of bonds between two or more atoms. These bonds involve the electrons and the openings that hold them. The physics process of e- capture is the penetration by an inner shell electron into the nucleus of a neutron rich atom. Absorption by one of the protons replaces it with a neutron. At the same time, a neutrino and an X-ray photon are emitted. What Defines an Element? Element identity is determined by the proton count…