Hello, everybody! Today is all about a gas we can't see, taste or smell - but contributes hugely to our background radiation. It's radon!
If you are confused by any of these terms, go to the glossary!
Facts about radon
Symbol: Rn
Electron configuration: [Xe] 4f145d106s26p6
Atomic number: 86
Key isotopes: 211Rn, 220Rn, 222Rn
Relative atomic mass: [222]
Melting point: -71 °C
Boiling point: -61.7 °C
Electronegativity: Unknown
1st ionisation energy: 1037.073 kJ mol-1
Radon decays into radioactive polonium and alpha particles. This emitted radiation made radon useful in cancer therapy. Radon was used in some hospitals to treat tumours by sealing the gas in minute tubes, and implanting these into the tumour, treating the disease in situ. Other, safer treatments are now more commonly used.
In some places, high concentrations of radon can build up indoors, escaping from the ground or from granite buildings. Home testing kits are available which can be sent away for analysis.
Electron configuration: [Xe] 4f145d106s26p6
Atomic number: 86
Key isotopes: 211Rn, 220Rn, 222Rn
Relative atomic mass: [222]
Melting point: -71 °C
Boiling point: -61.7 °C
Electronegativity: Unknown
1st ionisation energy: 1037.073 kJ mol-1
Radon decays into radioactive polonium and alpha particles. This emitted radiation made radon useful in cancer therapy. Radon was used in some hospitals to treat tumours by sealing the gas in minute tubes, and implanting these into the tumour, treating the disease in situ. Other, safer treatments are now more commonly used.
In some places, high concentrations of radon can build up indoors, escaping from the ground or from granite buildings. Home testing kits are available which can be sent away for analysis.
Radon has no known biological role. It is, however, thought that it may have had a significant role in evolution. This is because it is responsible for much of the Earth’s background radiation that can lead to genetic modifications.
Radon is produced naturally from the decay of the isotope radium-226, which is found in rocks. It was first discovered as a radioactive gas produced from radium as it decayed. There is a detectable amount in the Earth’s atmosphere.
Radon is produced naturally from the decay of the isotope radium-226, which is found in rocks. It was first discovered as a radioactive gas produced from radium as it decayed. There is a detectable amount in the Earth’s atmosphere.
…Again, I've had to rush this post. I'll try to ensure that the next post is up to the usual standard! Here's the link to the page this information is from.
That wraps up everything for today. See you on the 21st, everybody!