Question

Larger number of oxidation states are exhibited by the actinoids than those by the lanthanoids, the main reason being :

• A. more reactive nature of the actinoids than the lanthanoids
• B. 4f orbitals more diffused than the 5f orbitals
• C. more energy difference between 5f and 6d than between 4f and 5d orbitals
• D. lesser energy difference between 5f and 6d than between 4f and 5d orbitals

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

lesser energy difference between 5f and 6d than between 4f and 5d orbitals

Larger number of oxidation states are exhibited by the actinoids than those by the lanthanoids, the main reason being
lesser energy difference between 5f and 6d than between 4f and 5d orbitals. Due to lesser energy difference in case of actinoids, all their electrons can take part in bond formation.