What does "Core Electrons" mean?
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Core electrons are the electrons that are located in the inner shells of an atom. They are close to the nucleus and are held tightly by the positive charge of the protons. Because they are so close to the nucleus, core electrons do not participate much in chemical reactions; that role is mainly taken by the outermost electrons, known as valence electrons.
Role in Energy Changes
When certain nuclear reactions happen, like double-beta decay, core electrons can become excited. This means they gain some energy due to the changes in the atom. The energy taken away by particles called beta-electrons can be affected by this excitation, causing noticeable shifts in their energy levels.
Importance in Measurements
Understanding core electrons and their excitations is important when studying certain nuclear processes. If scientists measure radioactivity or energy levels without accounting for these effects, they might misinterpret their results. Accurate measurements need to consider how core electrons influence the energy released during these reactions.