When a radioactive isotope decays by electron capture,the electron ________.
A)combines with a neutron in the nucleus,raising the mass number of the daughter isotope by one
B)combines with a proton in the nucleus; the atomic number of the daughter is one less than the parent
C)makes the parent isotope into an ion with a charge of negative one
D)makes the daughter isotope into an ion with a charge of positive one

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In electron capture, an electron combines with a proton in the nucleus, converting it into a neutron. This results in a decrease in atomic number by one, while the mass number remains the same.

When a Radioactive Isotope Decays by Electron Capture,the Electron ________