Electron Capture by Beryllium-7

⁷Be + e⁻ → ⁷Li + ν_e

Overview

Beryllium-7 captures an inner orbital electron, converting a proton to a neutron and producing lithium-7 and a neutrino. This electron capture process occurs with a half-life of 53.2 days. Be-7 is produced in the atmosphere by cosmic ray spallation and is used as an environmental tracer.

Participants

Role	Substance	Coefficient	State
Reactant	Beryllium Be	1	(s)
Product	Lithium Li	1	(s)

Everyday Example

Be-7 deposits from the atmosphere onto soil and is used by environmental scientists to measure soil erosion rates.

Industrial Importance

Be-7 is used as a tracer for atmospheric processes, soil erosion studies, and for studying neutrino oscillations in solar physics.

Properties

Type: Nuclear
Reversible: No
Energy: Exothermic
ΔH: -86000000.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Alpha Decay of Polonium-210 Alpha Decay of Radium-226 Alpha Decay of Radon-222 Alpha Decay of Thorium-232 Alpha Decay of Uranium-238 Americium-241 Alpha Decay Beta Decay of Carbon-14 Beta Decay of Cesium-137 Beta Decay of Cobalt-60 Beta Decay of Iodine-131

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Electron Capture by Beryllium-7?

The balanced equation is: ⁷Be + e⁻ → ⁷Li + νₑ.

What type of reaction is Electron Capture by Beryllium-7?

Electron Capture by Beryllium-7 is a nuclear reaction.

Is Electron Capture by Beryllium-7 exothermic or endothermic?

Electron Capture by Beryllium-7 is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -86000000.0 kJ/mol.