Radon Uses: Overview, Questions, Preparation

This chapter has multiple topics listed below:

Periodic Table Elements Hypochlorous Acid Percentage of Oxygen in air CO Structure Argon Gas Barium Hydroxide Uses of Ammonia Uses of Nitric Acid Sulfurous Acid Uses of Sulphuric Acid Sodium Borate Radon Uses Difference between Nitrate and ...

Yamini Saini

Updated on Apr 27, 2021 03:24 IST

Table of Contents

What is Radon?
Chemical Properties of Radon
Physical properties of radon gas
Scientific use of Radon
FAQs on Radon

What is Radon?

In 1900, the German physicist Fredrich Dorn invented radon gas in Halle, Germany. The chemical element radon is a noble gas and nonmetal. Fredrich Dorn proved that radon gas is a radioactive substance and is an emitted form of radium. Radon is a noble gas, a chemically inert, monatomic gas. It is also radioactive, colourless and odourless. Radon naturally occurs in small quantities.

Chemical Properties of Radon

Group	18	Density	0.009074
Block	p Block element	Relative atomic mass	222
Atomic Number	86	Key Isotopes	211Rn,220Rn, 222Rn
State at 200c	Gas	CAS number	10043-92-2
Electron configuration	[Xe] 4f145d106s26p6	Invented by	Friedrich E. Dorn
Melting Point	−71°C, −96°F, 202 K	Invented year	1900
Boiling Point	−61.7°C, −79.1°F, 211.5 K	ChemSpider ID	23240

Physical properties of radon gas

Radon is colourless, tasteless, odourless gas at all standard temperature and pressure. It's highly radioactive, and it's the densest gas in the world. It's a chemically unreactive element. Radon dissolves in water. At even lower temperatures, liquid radon freezes. Picocuries (pCi/L) is the unit in which the Radon level counted.

Medical applications of Radon

Radon is used in hospitals to treat cancer. In the 1940s, many X-ray sources and industrial radiography used radon. Arthritis, chronic rheumatoid arthritis are treated and cured with the help of radon. This treatment process is known as radon hormesis. Use of radon in the treatment of cell damage and cancer is unavoidable. While in radiation therapy, the use of radon is inevitable. For the treatment of cancer and other diseases, many reputed hospitals were using radon. Radon radioactive decomposition is essential for the production of polonium.

Scientific use of Radon

Radon as gas is mainly used as a radioactive label to study surface chemical reactions. Radon testing kits are used for analysing indoor radon levels in places where large concentrations of radon gas can accumulate indoors. Researchers used radon soil concentration to map subsurface geological faults. It is also used in geologic research to track air masses. We can use radon to track air masses to a limited level. Specific changes in groundwater radon concentrations help in the prediction of earthquakes.

Weightage of this chapter in the 12th exam is 3%. We learn on the 11th the basics of the periodic table and its importance. We will focus on information on inert gases.

Illustrated examples:

Where is the origin of radon?

Rocks
Soil
Water
All of the above

Ans: 4

What is the appropriate amount of radon permissible in residence?

4 pCi/L
10 pCi/L
12 pCi/L
20 pCi/L

Ans: 1

FAQs on Radon

Q. What do you do about radon?

A. You have to seal and caulk the cracks in your foundation and walls. This action prevents the entry of radon, and it will add to your home's efficiency.

Q. Is radon gas a deal-breaker?

A. Yes, radon is a radioactive gas that emanates naturally from soil and rock. Every year in the USA twenty-one thousand people die because of radon gas.

Q. Should we be concerned about radon gas?

A. If we breathe a high grade of radon over a long period, this exposure can lead to damage to the sensitive cells in our lungs, which increases the risk of lung cancer.

Q. Is the radon level 14 fatal?

A. Radon intensity counted in picocuries per litre or pCi/L. The count of 4 pCi/L or more is considered dangerous.

Q. Why is radon in homes?

A. Radon gas comes from the natural activity of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It comes into the air we breathe. Usually, Radon gas goes up, mixes it in the air and enters your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can come to your door through a well of water too.