Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in the ground and in building materials. It is easily inhaled and emits alpha particles when it decays. Cumulative radon exposure is a significant risk factor for lung cancer. Calculate the density of radon at 277 K and 0.950 atm of pressure.

9.28 g/L

Explanation:

We will be using the ideal gas law to solve this problem:

PV = nRT where P is the pressure (atm)

V is the volume (L)

R is the gas constant 0.08205 Latm/Kmol

T is the temperature (K)

n is the number of moles

The number of moles is the mass divided by the molecular weight, and from here we can solve for the density. (Note here we use the atomic weight of radon since its is a monoatomic noble gas)

PV = m/AW RT ⇒ P = (m/V) RT/AW ⇒ P AW / RT = D

0.950 atm x 222.0 g/mol / [ (0.08205 Latm/Kmol) x 277 K ] = D

9.28 g/L = D