Chemistry · Lanthanoids: Electronic configuration, oxidation states and Lanthanoid contraction

The lanthanide contraction is responsible for the fact that:

The lanthanide contraction is responsible for the fact that:

  • A. zrand Hf have same radius
  • B. Zrand Zn have the same oxidation state
  • C. zrand Y have same radius
  • D. zrand Nb have similar oxidation state

Step-by-step solution

Lanthanide contraction causes the atomic radii of post-lanthanide elements (like Hf) to be similar to their 4d counterparts (like Zr) because the f-electrons shield poorly, leading to a greater effective nuclear charge and contraction. Thus, Zr and Hf have nearly identical radii.
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