electron capture

British  

noun

1. 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

2. the spontaneous or induced recombination of free electrons with ions or by transfer from other atoms or ions

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Example Sentences

The element’s abundance may allow researchers to distinguish between a “normal” core collapse and one triggered by electron capture.

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

The electron capture detector, arguably one of the most important analytical instruments developed during the 20th century, was redesigned and commercialized by Hewlett-Packard without any royalty or licensing agreement with Dr. Lovelock.

From New York Times • Jul. 27, 2022

K-40 decays by positron emission and electron capture to form Ar-40 with a half-life of 1.25 billion years.

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