thoron

5 9.9

A radioactive gas called radon-220 that forms when certain materials break down

noun
/ˈθɔrɒn/

Specialized

: torón

The thoron gas is released during the decay of certain elements.
thoron emission
thoron leak
thoron radiation

Examples

Thoron, also known as radon-220, is utilized in some advanced radiation detection methods.
Scientists measured the presence of thoron in the laboratory air.
Exposure to thoron can be a concern in areas with high levels of radioactive minerals.
The decay of thoron produces alpha particles that are detected by specialized instruments.
Many studies focus on the effects of thoron exposure.
Thoron is a radioactive isotope of thoron that is often produced as a result of certain decay processes.
In experiments, researchers found that thoron can influence the behavior of nearby particles.

Synonyms

radon

vsthoron

Specialized

13 8.4

A radioactive gas that can collect in buildings and cause lung cancer when breathed in

is a specific radioactive isotope of that element found in certain decay processes

Surface Forms

thoron singular

thorons plural

Morphology

thoron = thorium (opaque) = thor + on

The name is a specialized chemical term formed from a stem referring to the thorium series and the element-forming suffix '-on'; this formation is not helpful for general learners to infer meaning.

Etymology

Thoron comes from thorium, which was named after the Norse god Thor. Thoron is the radioactive gas radon-220 that appears when thorium breaks down, so thinking of Thor can help you remember this isotope comes from thorium.