Question

Atomic size of gold is almost the same as that of silver. It is due to:

• A. the same crystal structure of silver and gold
• B. almost the same electropositive character of the two metals
• C. transition metals contraction in a series
• D. the effect of lanthanide contraction

Answer 1

The correct option is D the effect of lanthanide contraction

Atomic size of gold is almost the same as that of silver. It is due to the effect of lanthanide contraction.

The elements which follow the lanthanoids in the third transition series are known as post lanthanoids. As a result of lanthanoid contraction, the atomic radii (size) of the elements which follow lanthanum are similar to that of the elements of the previous period.

Hence, option D is correct.