Question

What is the nuclear equation for the electron capture decay of Ar37?

Answer 1

The nuclear equation for the electron capture decay of Argon-37 is

`""_-1^0"e" + _18^37"Ar" -> _17^37"Cl" + nu_e`

During electron capture, an inner-orbital electron is captured by the nucleus, which results in the formation of a neutron after said electron combines with a proton.

Notice that the atomic number was reduced by 1 (`"18" -> "17"`), but the atomic mass remained unchanged.


Argon-37 is one of the 24 isotopes of Argon and has a nuclear half-life of 35.04 days.