The Two Processes Called Electron Capture

Chemistry
[caption id="attachment_6340" align="alignright" width="440"] The Physics Process[/caption] There is not one, but two processes, called electron or e- capture. Atoms can be visualized as two parts. The central nucleus, an inner core of protons plus neutrons, and an external shell of electrons traveling in their various orbitals. Ordinary chemical processes involve the making or breaking of bonds between two or more atoms. These bonds involve the electrons and the openings that hold them. The physics process of e- capture is the penetration by an inner shell electron into the nucleus of a neutron rich atom. Absorption by one of the protons replaces it with a neutron. At the same time, a neutrino and an X-ray photon are emitted. What Defines an Element? Element identity is determined by the proton count…
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What is a Hydronium Ion?

Chemistry
What is a hydronium ion? Water... Is there a more important or abundant liquid on the face of the earth? It possesses an amazing number of properties. It is essential to our very existence. Water is one of an extremely small number of substances (liquid ammonia is another) that expands and becomes lighter on freezing. Ice floats and forms an insulating, protective crust over underlying water. If ice sank rather and didn't float instead, the ponds and lakes of earth would completely freeze. All living things would die. Structure & Electrical Properties of Water Water's chemical formula is H2O. Occasionally it is written HOH or H–O–H. This way of writing the structure is convenient as long as one is aware of the shortcomings. Water is not a linear molecule. It…
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