Which consequence results when electrons fail to perfectly shield the nucleus in heavy atoms impacting electron capture?

💡 Explanation

Weaker shielding increases the nuclear charge experienced by inner electrons. Electron capture increases because the effect enhances **quantum tunneling** through the Coulomb barrier. Therefore, electron capture becomes more likely, rather than alpha decay since that depends on more complex considerations.

• Which outcome reduces energy output during plasma confinement fusion reactors?
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• Which outcome results due to electrons breaching a barrier?
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