(Check solution) Frequency of light after electron capture?

In summary, electron capture is a nuclear reaction where an electron combines with a proton in the nucleus, resulting in the formation of a neutron and the emission of a neutrino. It can change the element of an atom and is one type of radioactive decay. Electron capture does not directly affect the frequency of light, but it can result in the release of X-rays with high frequencies. The frequency of light after electron capture is not calculated, but rather determined by the energy difference between the initial and final states of the atom.
  • #1
NucEngMajor
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0

Homework Statement



An alpha particle: He++ captures an electron of a given kinetic energy. To conserve energy, it emits light, hf. How would one calculate the frequency?

Homework Equations


E=hf
En = (Z^2 *-13.6eV)/(n^2)

The Attempt at a Solution


Calculate En. Then KE = Photon + En. Solve for v given KE and En?
 
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  • #2
NucEngMajor said:
Calculate En. Then KE = Photon + En. Solve for v given KE and En?
Sure.
If the electron energy is high (or if the initial alpha particle is moving), you might want to consider the motion of the nucleus as well.
 

1. What is electron capture?

Electron capture is a type of nuclear reaction in which an electron combines with a proton in the nucleus, resulting in the formation of a neutron and the emission of a neutrino.

2. How does electron capture affect the frequency of light?

Electron capture does not directly affect the frequency of light. However, it can result in the release of X-rays, which have high frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum.

3. Can electron capture change the element of an atom?

Yes, electron capture can change the element of an atom. When an electron is captured, the atomic number decreases by one, resulting in a new element with a different number of protons.

4. What is the relationship between electron capture and radioactive decay?

Electron capture is one type of radioactive decay. It occurs in unstable atoms as a way to achieve a more stable nuclear configuration.

5. How is the frequency of light after electron capture calculated?

The frequency of light after electron capture is not calculated. It is determined by the energy difference between the initial and final states of the atom, which can vary depending on the specific elements involved.

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