What happens during electron capture?

During electron capture, a specific interaction occurs within the nucleus of an atom. The process involves an electron from the innermost energy level (typically from the K-shell) being captured by a proton in the nucleus. When this interaction takes place, the proton combines with the electron to form a neutron. Consequently, this reaction leads to the transformation of the atomic structure, as the atomic number of the element decreases by one due to the reduction of a proton, while the mass number remains unchanged. This process is pivotal in certain types of radioactive decay and can result in the formation of a new element that is lower on the periodic table.

This mechanism is crucial for understanding various applications in nuclear physics and medicine, particularly in topics related to radioactive decay and stability of isotopes.