Electron Capture and Atomic Changes

The video tutorial explains electron capture, a nuclear process affecting an atom's nucleus by converting protons into neutrons. This process helps stabilize atoms with excess protons by pulling in electrons from orbitals, releasing gamma rays as a byproduct. The tutorial covers the impact on atomic and mass numbers, showing that while the atomic number decreases, the mass number remains unchanged. It also demonstrates how to write nuclear equations for electron capture using examples like potassium-40 and magnesium.

What is the primary difference between electron capture and other forms of decay like alpha and beta decay?

• Electron capture decreases the mass number.

• Electron capture increases the atomic number.

• Electron capture involves absorbing an electron.

• Electron capture involves emitting particles.

During electron capture, what happens to a proton in the nucleus?

• It remains unchanged.

• It becomes an electron.

• It is ejected from the nucleus.

• It transforms into a neutron.

What type of radiation is emitted during the electron capture process?

• Gamma rays

• Beta particles

• Alpha particles

• Neutrons

How does electron capture affect the atomic number of an atom?

• It decreases by one.

• It increases by one.

• It remains the same.

• It doubles.

What is the effect of electron capture on the mass number of an atom?

• It decreases by one.

• It increases by one.

• It remains unchanged.

• It doubles.

In the example of potassium-40 undergoing electron capture, what element is formed?

• Sulfur

• Chlorine

• Argon

• Calcium

What is the atomic number of argon, the element formed from potassium-40 after electron capture?

• 19

• 18

• 20

• 17

In the reverse example, if magnesium is formed after electron capture, what was the original element?

• Sodium

• Silicon

• Aluminum

• Phosphorus

What is the atomic number of aluminum, the original element before electron capture in the reverse example?

• 12

• 11

• 13

• 14

What remains unchanged during the electron capture process?

• Number of neutrons

• Number of electrons

• Mass number

• Atomic number