Education
Radon (Rn)
Element with atomic number 86, category: Noble gas, a gas at room temperature.
Element 86 of 118
Noble gas
Radon
Group 18, Period 6
Common Uses
Radioactive gas
Electron Diagram
About Radon
Radon is a chemical element with the symbol Rn and atomic number 86, meaning every atom has 86 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Noble gas and is a gas at room temperature. Its atomic mass is about 222 atomic mass units (u).
On the periodic table, Radon sits in group 18, period 6, which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.
Uses of Radon
In daily life and industry, Radon is used for Radioactive gas. These uses are closely tied to the typical properties of elements in the Noble gas category.
Electron Structure of Radon
Using a simplified electron shell model (at most 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 in the second, 18 in the third, and so on), Radon has 5 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 8, 18, 32, 26 electrons from the innermost shell to the outermost. This is a simplified learning model, not the full electron configuration that accounts for the s, p, d and f subshells.
Explore Other Elements
Want to see another element or try the element symbol quiz? Go back to the Interactive Periodic Table to explore all 118 chemical elements.