Radon (Rn) — Element Properties, Uses & Facts
Overview
Radon is a chemical element with symbol Rn and atomic number 86. It is a radioactive, colorless, odorless, tasteless noble gas, occurring naturally as a decay product of radium. Its most stable isotope, 222Rn, has a half-life of 3.8 days.
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of Radon is [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p6, with electron shells of 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 8.
Physical and chemical properties
Radon is classified as a noble gas. It has an atomic mass of 222 and exists as a gas at standard conditions, appearing as colorless gas, occasionally glows green or red in discharge tubes.
Real-world uses of Radon
As a noble gas, Radon is chemically inert and is primarily used in lighting, insulation, or specialized industrial and scientific applications.
Interesting facts about Radon
- Radon has the atomic number 86 and chemical symbol Rn.
- It belongs to period 6, group 18 of the periodic table.
- Radon was discovered by Friedrich Ernst Dorn.
Explore Radon interactively
Want to compare Radon with other elements or see it highlighted on the full table? Open the interactive periodic table and click on Rn to explore properties, trends, and neighboring elements. You can also test your knowledge with our periodic table quiz game.
What is Radon used for?
As a noble gas, Radon is chemically inert and is primarily used in lighting, insulation, or specialized industrial and scientific applications.
What is the atomic number of Radon?
The atomic number of Radon is 86, meaning it has 86 protons in its nucleus.
What is the electron configuration of Radon?
The electron configuration of Radon is [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p6.
Is Radon a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid?
Radon is classified as a noble gas.