Final answer:
Electron capture involves a nucleus absorbing an inner-shell electron, converting a proton into a neutron. Nuclear bombardment involves a nucleus being struck by a particle, often changing its composition. Equations for electron capture typically show an electron being consumed, whereas nuclear bombardment shows an incoming particle causing a reaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
To match the balanced nuclear equation with the correct type of radioactive decay, we need to understand the specific characteristics of each type of decay process. Electron capture (EC) is a process whereby a nucleus captures one of its inner-shell electrons, causing a proton within the nucleus to convert into a neutron. An electron's neutrino is typically emitted during this process. This type of decay only occurs spontaneously if the mass of the products is less than the sum of the parent nucleus and the captured electron.
On the other hand, nuclear bombardment involves the interaction of a nucleus with a high-energy particle, which can change the composition of the nucleus itself. Often, these reactions are used to produce new isotopes or to initiate nuclear transmutation. Normally, nuclear bombardment reactions are indicated by showing the bombarding particle as part of the reaction equation.
Using these principles, we can match balanced nuclear equations to the correct type of radioactive decay. For example, for the decay of 201Hg by electron capture, an appropriate equation would be 201Hg + e- → 201Au + electron's neutrino. This represents an electron capture event. In contrast, an equation such as 14N + neutron → 14C represents a nuclear bombardment process where a neutron is used to transmute nitrogen into carbon.