Question

The larger number of oxidation states are exhibited by the actinides than those by lanthanoids, the main reason being:

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

Answer 1

The correct option is D lesser energy difference between 5f and 6d than between 4f and 5d orbitals

The energy difference between 5f and 6d is lesser than that between 4f and 5d orbitals. Thus, in actinides, the electrons can be removed from 5f as well as 6d, so more number of oxidation states are exhibited by them.