Induce radioactive decay via electron capture?

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of inducing decay in radioactive elements through the introduction of high-energy electrons. The idea is brought up in relation to finding a solution for disposing of reactor waste in Washington State, but is deemed impractical and potentially harmful due to the energy requirements and potential for transmutations. The conversation also mentions current methods of disposing of high level waste and the consideration of transmutation in subcritical systems or actinide burner reactors.
  • #1
captainnemo
1
0
Hi,

Is it possible to induce decay in a radioactive element by introducing vast amounts of high-energy electrons in the hope that they would be absorbed via electron capture?

I was thinking about how to use up all the reactor waste that the US generates (I live in Washington State, a great dumping site :))...might this be a way?
 
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  • #2
Washington State is not a 'dumping site', but it does have waste accumulation tanks from the nuclear weapons program at the Hanford Reservation, as well as one commercial nuclear plant, which like the others generates HLW in the form of spent fuel and activated corrosion products.

High level waste goes to the Waste Isolation Pilot Project (WIPP) near Carlsbad, NM. How much waste will actually be stored remains to be seen. http://www.wipp.energy.gov/

There is a facility in Idaho at INL (INEL) which takes the spent cores from the navy.

Finally, Yucca Mountain, NV is supposed to be accepting the spent nuclear fuel from US nuclear plants some time (if ever). However, reprocessing is seriously being considered.

As for electron capture, that would impractical due to the energy requirements, and the fact that one would have to deal with subsequent transmutations. Besides, the majority of fission products are beta emitters, so electron capture would have low probablity.

For information on decay modes of radionuclides, see http://www.nndc.bnl.gov/nudat2/reColor.jsp?newColor=dm Zoom 1 gives greatest detail.

Chart of nuclides - http://www.nndc.bnl.gov/nudat2/ .


Transmutation of long-lived isotopes is under consideration in either a subcritical accelerator driven system (ADS) or actinide burner reactor (ABR).
 
Last edited:
  • #3
captainnemo said:
Hi,

Is it possible to induce decay in a radioactive element by introducing vast amounts of high-energy electrons in the hope that they would be absorbed via electron capture?
It won't work, and would just create more radioactivity, while adding to global warming.
 

1. What is electron capture?

Electron capture is a type of radioactive decay in which an electron from an atom's inner shell is absorbed by the nucleus, resulting in the conversion of a proton into a neutron. This process decreases the atomic number of the atom by one and forms a new element.

2. How does electron capture induce radioactive decay?

During electron capture, the nucleus of an atom becomes unstable due to an excess of protons. By absorbing an electron, the nucleus can decrease its proton count and become more stable. This process releases energy in the form of gamma rays, which can lead to the decay of the atom.

3. What types of atoms can undergo electron capture?

Electron capture can occur in any atom with a nucleus that has an excess of protons. This includes elements such as potassium, calcium, and iron. However, it is most common in heavier elements with larger nuclei.

4. How is electron capture different from other types of radioactive decay?

Electron capture is different from other types of radioactive decay because it involves the absorption of an electron instead of the emission of particles or energy. It also results in the formation of a new element, rather than just a different isotope of the same element.

5. What are the practical applications of inducing radioactive decay via electron capture?

One practical application of electron capture is in the production of medical isotopes for diagnostic imaging and cancer treatment. It can also be used in nuclear power plants to control the rate of nuclear reactions. Additionally, scientists use electron capture to study the properties of different elements and their isotopes.

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