electron capture
Britishnoun
-
Former name: K-capture. the transformation of an atomic nucleus in which an electron from the atom is spontaneously absorbed into the nucleus. A proton is changed into a neutron, thereby reducing the atomic number by 1. A neutrino is emitted. The process may be detected by the consequent emission of the characteristic X-rays of the resultant element
-
the spontaneous or induced recombination of free electrons with ions or by transfer from other atoms or ions
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Scientists first proposed this supernova-triggering electron capture mechanism in 1980, but it wasn’t actually observed until 2018 via telltale signatures in the light from a distant exploding star in another galaxy.
From Scientific American ● Nov. 10, 2023
In 1957, he hit on his most far-reaching invention: the electron capture detector, a portable device that looked a bit like a hose nozzle and could detect infinitesimal evidence of man-made chemicals such as pesticides.
From Washington Post ● Jul. 28, 2022
In 1969, using his electron capture device, Dr. Lovelock went on to find that man-made pollutants were the cause of smog.
From New York Times ● Jul. 27, 2022
Like positron emission, electron capture occurs for “proton-rich” nuclei that lie below the band of stability.
From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019
Strong neutrino cooling by cycles of electron capture and β - decay in neutron star crust.
From Nature ● May 22, 2018
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
