Radon

About this element

Symbol: Rn
Date of discovery: 1898
Name origin: from radium
Appearance: colorless
Discoverer: Fredrich Ernst Dorn
Obtained from: decay of radium

Melting point: 202 K
Boiling point: 211 K
Density[kg/m³]: 9730
Molar volume: 50.50 × 10^-6 m³/mol
Protons/Electrons: 86
Neutrons: 136
Shell structure: 2,8,18,32,18,8
Electron configuration: [Xe]4f145d106s26p6
Oxidation state: 0
Crystal structure: cubic

Radon, the heaviest of the gases, was discovered in 1898 by F.E. Dorn. Colorless at standard temperature, radon exhibits brilliant yellow phosphorescence when cooled below its freezing point and becomes orange-red as the temperature is lowered. This element is formed by the natural breakdown of radium, a decay product of uranium commonly found in the earth’s crust. Radon can also be found naturally in some spring waters. As a radioactive gas with a short half-life, radon forms decay products that damage lung tissue when inhaled, making the element a major health hazard.