Question

The main reason for larger number of oxidation states exhibited by the actinides than the corresponding lanthanides, is :

• A. lesser energy difference between 5f and 6d orbitals than between 4f and 5d orbitals
• B. larger atomic size of actinides than the lanthanides
• C. more energy difference between 5f and 6d orbitals than between 4f and 5d orbitals
• D. greater reactive nature of the actinides than the lanthanides

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

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

Answer 2

The actinides have a greater variety of oxidation states than the lanthanides because the energy difference between the 5f and 6d orbitals is smaller than that between the 4f and 5d orbitals. It is true that the energy difference is less the higher the value of n+1.

Therefore, the correct option is (A): lesser energy difference between 5f and 6d orbitals than between 4f and 5d orbitals