electron capture
Britishnoun
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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
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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
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
Krausz, F. & Stockman, M. I. Attosecond metrology: from electron capture to future signal processing.
From Nature ● May 1, 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.
