Mendeleev
Periodic table · chemistry · physics
Element story

Radon

Atomic number 86 means that every Radon nucleus contains 86 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Radon.

Start with the nucleus

Atomic number 86 means that every Radon nucleus contains 86 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Radon.

Radon (Rn) is chemical element 86. It belongs to the noble gases, and its reference state at room temperature is a gas. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

In practice, it turns up most often in geology, health and scientific research.

See the atom

Conceptual visual: electron shells are a learning aid, not a literal picture of quantum orbitals.

What this number means

Atomic number 86 means that every Radon nucleus contains 86 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Radon.

Keep exploring

→ Radon · Atomic structure · Periodic trends

86RnRadon
Radon · Rn · Z = 86

Radon (Rn) is chemical element 86. It belongs to the noble gases, and its reference state at room temperature is a gas. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

Understanding the element

Radon (Rn) is chemical element 86. It belongs to the noble gases, and its reference state at room temperature is a gas. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

Where do we encounter it?

In practice, it turns up most often in geology, health and scientific research.

What its position in the table tells us

Radon sits in period 6, group 18 and the P block. That location is useful because neighbouring elements often share trends in valence electrons, oxidation states and bonding behaviour.