Understanding Electron Capture
Electron capture is a type of radioactive decay where an atom's nucleus captures an inner electron, usually from the K shell. This process results in the following:
* Proton Conversion: A proton within the nucleus is converted into a neutron.
* Emission of a Neutrino: An electron neutrino is emitted.
* Atomic Number Decrease: The atomic number (number of protons) decreases by 1.
* Mass Number Remains the Same: The mass number (total number of protons and neutrons) stays the same.
Thallium-201 Decay
* Thallium (Tl) has an atomic number of 81.
* Thallium-201 has a mass number of 201.
When thallium-201 undergoes electron capture:
* Atomic Number: Decreases from 81 to 80.
* Mass Number: Remains at 201.
The Resulting Nuclide
The element with atomic number 80 is Mercury (Hg). Therefore, the nuclide produced is Mercury-201 (²⁰¹Hg).
In Summary:
The decay of thallium-201 by electron capture produces Mercury-201 (²⁰¹Hg).
