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Lepton number in electron capture

https://www.dropbox.com/s/dofptcijg597qk2/lepton.JPG?dl=0

How is the lepton number conserved in this electron capture.
19 + 1 doesn't not equal 18 + 1

Many thanks

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Original post by clausencallum
https://www.dropbox.com/s/dofptcijg597qk2/lepton.JPG?dl=0

How is the lepton number conserved in this electron capture.
19 + 1 doesn't not equal 18 + 1

Many thanks


K and ar are elements not leptons
Original post by kishxx01
K and ar are elements not leptons

but they have electrons so surely they have lepton number?
Well firstly you shouldn't be taking into account the atomic number; lepton number is conserved.

Potassium has 0 lepton number. The electron has a lepton number of +1.

Argon has 0 lepton number number. The electron neutrino has a lepton number +1

0 + 1 --> 0 + 1
1=1

Lepton number conserved.

Your thinking is incorrect because in electron capture, a proton decays into a neutrino by capturing an inner shell electron (it's in the name!). Therefore, both the proton number and the number of electrons in the atom decrease by 1.

EDIT: so it's actually 18 + 1 --> 18 + 1
19=19 hence lepton number is conserved.
(edited 5 years ago)
Original post by clausencallum
but they have electrons so surely they have lepton number?


No read this


Original post by BTAnonymous
Well firstly you shouldn't be taking into account the atomic number; lepton number is conserved.

Potassium has 0 lepton number. The electron has a lepton number of +1.

Argon has 0 lepton number number. The electron neutrino has a lepton number +1

0 + 1 --> 0 + 1
1=1

Lepton number conserved.

Your thinking is incorrect because in electron capture, a proton decays into a neutrino by capturing an inner shell electron (it's in the name!). Therefore, both the proton number and the number of electrons in the atom decrease by 1.
Original post by BTAnonymous
Well firstly you shouldn't be taking into account the atomic number; lepton number is conserved.

Potassium has 0 lepton number. The electron has a lepton number of +1.

Argon has 0 lepton number number. The electron neutrino has a lepton number +1

0 + 1 --> 0 + 1
1=1

Lepton number conserved.

Your thinking is incorrect because in electron capture, a proton decays into a neutrino by capturing an inner shell electron (it's in the name!). Therefore, both the proton number and the number of electrons in the atom decrease by 1.

EDIT: so it's actually 18 + 1 --> 18 + 1
19=19 hence lepton number is conserved.


But why do elements not have lepton numbers?
Original post by clausencallum
But why do elements not have lepton numbers?


What is a lepton? It's a fundamental particle cannot decay by the strong nuclear force. Are elements fundamental particles? No. They are made of electrons, protons and neutrons.

You're thinking about the number of electrons in the atom aren't you?
Original post by BTAnonymous
What is a lepton? It's a fundamental particle cannot decay by the strong nuclear force. Are elements fundamental particles? No. They are made of electrons, protons and neutrons.

You're thinking about the number of electrons in the atom aren't you?


yep
Reply 8
Avatar for Rhiaaaaa
Rhiaaaaa
9
19-1=18+0
Original post by clausencallum
yep


Yeah, well if you want to think about it like that then you need to consider the fact that the electron is coming from one of the 19 electrons in the K atom. This electron which is being captured is part of the 19 electrons in the K atom, it's not a random free electron which is colliding.

So it isn't 19 + 1 but 18 + 1.
Original post by BTAnonymous
What is a lepton? It's a fundamental particle cannot decay by the strong nuclear force. Are elements fundamental particles? No. They are made of electrons, protons and neutrons.

You're thinking about the number of electrons in the atom aren't you?


guessing elements dont have a baryon number either then?
Original post by Rhiaaaaa
18+1=19+0


18+1-->18+1
Original post by BTAnonymous
18+1-->18+1

Liar
Original post by Rhiaaaaa
Liar


How so?
Original post by BTAnonymous
18+1-->18+1


ok, I think just knowing that elements dont have baryon and lepton numbers for aqa a level physics will be ok. Many thanks though
Original post by clausencallum
ok, I think just knowing that elements dont have baryon and lepton numbers for aqa a level physics will be ok. Many thanks though


Yh, just think of it like that.
Original post by BTAnonymous
How so?


I WAS TALKING ABOUT CHARGE. Idk what lepton number is TELL ME
Original post by Rhiaaaaa
I WAS TALKING ABOUT CHARGE. Idk what lepton number is TELL ME


use google.
for physics do we need to know the baryon and lepton number for each particle?
Original post by BTAnonymous
use google.


Tell me idoot

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