Question

Explain the ionization trends for lanthanum, gadolinium and lutetium.

Answer 1

Ionization for

Lanthanum(La)- Xe 5d¹ 6s²

The ionisation or loss of electron from the Lanthanum occur from 6s then from 5d. Two ionisation consist
of loss of two s orbital electron. and third ionisation consist of removal of d orbital electron.
3rd ionisation energy > 2nd ionisation energy > 1st ionisation energy


Gadolinium(Gd)-Xe 4f⁷ 5d¹ 6s²
The ionisation or loss of electron from the Lanthanum occur from 6s then from 5d. Two ionisation consist
of loss of two s orbital electron. and third ionisation consist of removal of d orbital electron.
3rd ionisation energy > 2nd ionisation energy > 1st ionisation energy.

In this case its very difficult to remove the 4th electron as Gd³⁺ will show a very stable half filled electronic configuration of
[Xe] 4f⁷

Lutetium(Lu)- Xe 4f¹⁴ 5d¹ 6s²

Similarly
The ionisation or loss of electron from the Lanthanum occur from 6s then from 5d. Two ionisation consist
of loss of two s orbital electron. and third ionisation consist of removal of d orbital electron.
3rd ionisation energy > 2nd ionisation energy > 1st ionisation energy.

In this case also its very difficult to remove the 4th electron as Lu³⁺ will show a very stable fully filled electronic configuration of
[Xe] 4f¹⁴