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

1 Answer
Jan 10, 2015

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.

http://www.periodictable.com/Isotopes/018.37/index.p.html

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