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Radon, atomic structure
Diagram of the nuclear composition, electron configuration, and valence (outer electron) orbitals of an atom of radon-222 (atomic number: 86), the most stable isotope of this element. The nucleus consists of 86 protons (blue) and 136 neutrons (red). Radon is a noble gas in group 18, period 6, and the p-block of the periodic table. It is the only known radioactive gas. Radon-222, produced from the decay chain of uranium or thorium ores, has a half-life of just under 4 days, emitting an alpha particle from its unstable nucleus to form polonium-218. Photo by CARLOS CLARIVAN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
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