Atom when electrone is bombarded inside the nucleus

In summary, the conversation discussed the potential outcome of an electron ending up inside the nucleus, as in quantum tunnelling. The possibility of electron capture or K-capture was mentioned, where the electron can be absorbed by the proton to turn it into a neutron. This was based on an old Scientific American article titled "Mesonic Atoms" which described experiments where negatively charged mesons were shot into lead atoms and were found to have orbits inside the nucleus.
  • #1
Tada Amda
2
0
what will happen TO THE ATOM if electron end up inside the nucleus ( as in quantum tunnelling) ?
 
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  • #2
See if you can find an OLD SciAm article titled, "Mesonic Atoms". I'll try to find the details and update.
The workers shot negatively charged mesons into lead atoms and the "Orbits" of the mesons were inside the nucleus.

CW
 
  • #3
The lowest energy electron state in any atom has L = 0, and its wavefunction therefore overlaps the nucleus. In most cases, nothing at all happens, because the electron and proton don't have any way of interacting (not enough energy available). In a few cases it's energetically possible for the electron to be captured and turn the proton into a neutron. This is called electron capture or K-capture - see the Wikipedia article.
 
  • #4
Thank you very much every one :)
 

1. How does bombardment of an electron inside the nucleus affect an atom?

When an electron is bombarded inside the nucleus, it can cause changes in the atom's energy levels and can also lead to the emission of subatomic particles such as protons and neutrons.

2. Can this bombardment create new elements?

Yes, bombardment of an electron inside the nucleus can lead to the creation of new elements through nuclear reactions. This process is known as transmutation.

3. Is there a limit to the number of electrons that can be bombarded inside the nucleus?

Yes, there is a limit to the number of electrons that can be bombarded inside the nucleus. This limit is determined by the stability of the atom and the strength of the nuclear forces.

4. What is the purpose of bombarding an electron inside the nucleus?

The purpose of bombarding an electron inside the nucleus is to study the structure of the atom and its subatomic particles, as well as to create new elements through nuclear reactions.

5. Are there any potential dangers or risks associated with this process?

Yes, there can be potential dangers and risks associated with bombarding an electron inside the nucleus. These include the release of harmful radiation and the potential for nuclear reactions to get out of control. Proper safety precautions and protocols must be followed when conducting these experiments.

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