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Step 1
Know the Greek roots of the name. Radon was originally called radium emanation. It was named niton in 1908 from the Greek word "nitens" meaning shining, referring to its phosphorescence. It has been called radon since 1923, after radium.
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Step 2
Look for information about its discoverer. The discovery of radon is credited to Friedrich Ernst Dorn in 1900.
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Step 3
Understand the chemistry of radon. It is in the air at a ratio of 1:10^21 and is also a decay product of radium. Study radioactive decay to learn how radon is primarily obtained from radium. The production of radon is not restricted to any location.
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Step 4
Search chemistry and physics Web sites to learn about the best-known aspect of radon--its status a carcinogen. Look for facts about radon's appearance, reactivity and other chemical and physical properties.
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Step 5
Know radon's chemical properties to understand why radon's rapid loss to air makes it useful for hydrologic research of streams, rivers and groundwater interaction. Study industrial applications, including why radon accumulates in streams and rivers that have local sources of groundwater.
