Radon (Rn)
Diane Vik Period 2
History
- Discovered by Friedrich Ernst Dorn in 1900, in Germany
- Originally named Niton, changed to Radon in 1923
- Named after “the element radium”
Uses of Radon
- Earth quake prediction
- Radiation therapy in hospitals
- Therapeutic
Description
- Radon atoms have 86 electrons
- Is a non-metal
- Is known as the heaviest element
- Radon build up has been causing safety issues in homes
Biology
- Has no biological role
- You can use your weight to find out how much Radon in is your body
- Is hazardous when inhaled
- Its radio decay collects on dust in the air
- Chemically is not a hazard
- Found in some spring waters
Geology
- Heaviest know gas
- Often found in uranium ores
- Found as dissolved gas in some spring waters
- Radon buildup in homes(basements) from the surrounding soil and rocks has become a safety issue
Properties
- Density: 4400 kg m-3
- Melting Point: 202 -71 °C(-79.1 °F)
- Liquid Range: 9.3 K
Fun Facts
- Is a colorless gas at normal temperatures
- Becomes yellow as the temperature is lowered below the freezing point
- Is orange-red at the temperature of liquid air
Properties
Rn-Symbol
86-Atomic Number
222-Atomic weight
Noble Gas-Group
6-Period
Colorless
Non-metallic