What is the difference between proton-electron collison adn electron capture?

In summary, the key difference between electron capture and proton-electron collision is that electron capture refers to a nucleus trapping an electron, while proton-electron collision refers to an electron hitting a proton. The names refer to the type of W Boson emitted and the particle involved. Lowering the weak interaction force can make electron capture more favorable, while increasing it can make proton-electron collision more favorable. However, this can also result in more electrons hitting the nucleus.
  • #1
binbagsss
1,254
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Is it the same thing? If not what is the key difference between the two and what conditions would make the weak interactions governing the two more favourable than the other one?,

(My thoughts are along the lines of , that proton-electron collision is referring to free electrons or free protons , whereas electron capture speaks only in terms of an aom capturing it's own electron .
Another thought - the difference names refer to the type of W Boson emitted and by which particle - and are only there for this reason? )

I have tried googling this but could not find anything :(
 
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  • #2
Electron capture means, a nucleus trapping or binding an electron flying by and making the electron circulate around the nucleus. Proton electron collision is pretty self explanatory - electron hitting a proton which in most cases means hitting a nucleus.

If you lower the weak interaction force, more and more electrons start flying by without getting captured by the nucleus. However, while doing this, more and more electrons will start to hit the nucleus when there's lower force preventing them from doing that.
 

What is the difference between proton-electron collision and electron capture?

Proton-electron collision and electron capture are two different processes that involve particles interacting with each other. In proton-electron collision, a proton and an electron collide with each other, resulting in the production of high-energy photons. On the other hand, electron capture is a process in which an electron is absorbed by a positively charged nucleus, resulting in the emission of a neutrino and the formation of a new element.

How do the energies involved in proton-electron collision and electron capture differ?

The energies involved in proton-electron collision and electron capture are significantly different. In proton-electron collision, the energies are much higher as it involves the collision of two particles with opposite charges. On the other hand, the energies involved in electron capture are relatively low as it only involves the absorption of an electron by a nucleus.

Which process is more common in nature, proton-electron collision or electron capture?

Proton-electron collision and electron capture occur in different scenarios and are not necessarily comparable. However, in terms of frequency, electron capture is more common in nature. This is because it is a natural decay process that occurs in some radioactive elements, while proton-electron collision is a high-energy event that requires specific conditions to happen.

How do proton-electron collision and electron capture affect the stability of an atom?

Proton-electron collision and electron capture can both affect the stability of an atom in different ways. In proton-electron collision, the high-energy photons produced can cause damage to the atom's structure and potentially make it unstable. On the other hand, electron capture can result in the formation of a new element, which may have different stability properties than the original atom.

Can proton-electron collision and electron capture occur simultaneously in an atom?

No, proton-electron collision and electron capture cannot occur simultaneously in an atom. This is because they require different conditions and involve different particles. However, both processes can occur in the same atom at different times, depending on the external conditions and the stability of the atom.

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