Question:

Lanthanoid contraction is caused due to

Updated On: Jul 12, 2022
  • the imperfect shielding on outer electrons by 4f electrons from the nuclear charge
  • By appreciable shielding on outer electrons by 4f electrons from the nuclear charge
  • the appreciable shielding on outer electrons by 5d -electrons from the nuclear charge
  • the same effective nuclear charge from Ce to Lu
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

The elements in Lanthanide series are $La , Ce , Pr , Nd , Pm , Sm , Eu , Gd$, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Y b and Lu. In Lanthanides ( $Ce - Lu )$, the atomic and ionic radii decrease steadily. This steady decrease in atomic and ionic radii is known as Lanthanide Contraction. The contraction is due to the fact that $f$ - orbitals are not capable of providing effective shielding for the valence electrons from the nuclear attraction.
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Concepts Used:

D and F Block Elements

The d-block elements are placed in groups 3-12 and F-block elements with 4f and 5f orbital filled progressively. The general electronic configuration of d block elements and f- block elements are (n-1) d 1-10 ns 1-2 and (n-2) f 1-14 (n-1) d1 ns2 respectively. They are commonly known as transition elements because they exhibit multiple oxidation states because of the d-d transition which is possible by the availability of vacant d orbitals in these elements. 

They have variable Oxidation States as well as are good catalysts because they provide a large surface area for the absorption of reaction. They show variable oxidation states to form intermediate with reactants easily. They are mostly lanthanoids and show lanthanoid contraction. Since differentiating electrons enter in an anti-penultimate f subshell. Therefore, these elements are also called inner transition elements.

Read More: The d and f block elements