Question

What is K-electron capture?

Answer 1

The capture of electrons is a nuclear process. An atom's inner electron is absorbed by a nucleus rich in protons. The nucleus emits high-energy gamma rays as part of this process. The weak force causes electron capture, which is a relatively minor decay phase.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
The capture of electrons is a nuclear process. If the number of protons in a nucleus exceeds the number of neutrons, electron capture occurs. The nucleus of an atom absorbs an electron from the atom's K-shell or L-shell. The absorbed electron and one proton then unite to generate a neutron, bringing the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus back to a healthy balance.
The capture of a $1s$ electron by the nucleus of an unstable isotope is known as K-electron capture.
When the nucleus of an unstable isotope captures an inner-orbital electron, it is known as electron capture.
A proton combines with an electron to make a neutron, and an X-ray is produced as a result of the process.
The atomic number decreases by one unit, but the mass number stays the same. Because they are nearest to the nucleus, the captured electron usually comes from the $1s$ or $2s$ orbitals.
The process is known as K-electron capture if the electron arrives from the $1s$ level (the K-shell).

Note:
The mass number of a nucleus does not change when it undergoes an electron capture reaction, but the atomic number lowers by one. The total number of protons and neutrons inside the nucleus is known as the mass number, while the number of protons or electrons in an atom is known as the atomic number. The electron is grabbed by the nucleus in an electron capture reaction.