Radon (Rn)
Radon (Rn, element 86) is a noble gas in group 18, period 6. Atomic mass 222, electron configuration [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p⁶, uses and facts.
About Radon
Radon is a noble gas with the symbol Rn and atomic number 86. It is a gas at room temperature, and it sits in group 18, period 6 of the periodic table. Radon was discovered in 1900 by Friedrich Ernst Dorn.
Radon key facts
- Atomic number: 86
- Symbol: Rn
- Atomic mass: 222 u
- Category: noble gas
- Group: 18
- Period: 6
- State at room temperature: gas
- Electron configuration: [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p⁶
- Electronegativity (Pauling): not assigned
- Melting point: 202 K (-71.15 °C)
- Boiling point: 211.5 K (-61.65 °C)
- Density: 0.00973 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: 0, +2, +6
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of radon is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p⁶. The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells. Radon has 8 valence electrons.
Uses of radon
- Cancer treatment
- Earthquake prediction
- Geological research
Did you know?
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. It seeps into basements from uranium in soil.
Other elements in group 18 and neighbours
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of radon?
The atomic number of radon is 86, which means every radon atom has 86 protons.
What is the electron configuration of radon?
The electron configuration of radon is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p⁶.
What group and period is radon in?
Radon is a noble gas in group 18, period 6.
What state is radon at room temperature?
Radon is a gas at room temperature.
What is radon used for?
Radon is used for cancer treatment, earthquake prediction, geological research.