How does electron capture occur?

Electron capture occurs when a nucleus captures an electron from its inner shell.

Electron capture is a type of radioactive decay that occurs when a nucleus captures an electron from its inner shell, typically the K-shell. This process results in the conversion of a proton into a neutron, and the emission of a neutrino. The neutrino carries away energy and momentum, and the resulting nucleus has one less proton and one more neutron than the original nucleus.

Electron capture can occur in any nucleus that has a proton-to-neutron ratio that is too high. This process is most common in large, unstable nuclei, such as those found in radioactive isotopes. In these nuclei, the strong nuclear force is not strong enough to overcome the electromagnetic force between the protons, and the nucleus is unstable. By capturing an electron, the nucleus can reduce its proton-to-neutron ratio and become more stable.

Electron capture is an important process in nuclear physics, and it has many practical applications. For example, it is used in medical imaging to produce positron-emitting isotopes, which can be detected using a PET scanner. It is also used in nuclear power plants to control the rate of nuclear reactions and to produce isotopes for medical and industrial applications.