Question

The Lanthanide contraction from Ce to Lu is

• A. 0.20 Å
• B. 0.10 Å
• C. 0.30 Å
• D. 0.25 Å

Hint:

The lanthanide contraction is a result of the filling of f-orbitals, leading to poor shielding and smaller atomic radii.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Lanthanide Contraction refers to the progressive decrease in the atomic and ionic radii of the lanthanide series elements from cerium (Ce) to lutetium (Lu). This phenomenon occurs despite the increase in atomic number across the series. Understanding lanthanide contraction is crucial as it influences the chemistry of the subsequent elements in the periodic table.

1. Understanding the Lanthanide Contraction:
   The lanthanide series comprises the 14 elements with atomic numbers from 57 (lanthanum, La) to 71 (lutetium, Lu). As we move from left to right across the series:
   • Increasing Nuclear Charge: Each successive element has an additional proton in the nucleus, resulting in a higher positive charge.
   • Electron Configuration: Electrons are being added to the 4f orbitals. However, the 4f electrons are poor at shielding the increasing nuclear charge.
2. Effect of Poor Shielding by 4f Electrons:
   The poor shielding ability of the 4f electrons means that the effective nuclear charge (\( Z_{\text{eff}} \)) experienced by the outermost electrons increases more significantly than in elements where electrons are added to orbitals with better shielding (like 3d or 5f). This increased \( Z_{\text{eff}} \) pulls the electrons closer to the nucleus, resulting in a decrease in atomic and ionic radii.
3. Quantifying the Lanthanide Contraction:
   The actual measured contraction across the lanthanide series is approximately \( 0.10 \, \text{Å} \). This contraction is significant enough to influence the chemistry and physical properties of the elements that follow the lanthanides in the periodic table, such as the transition metals in the 5d series.
4. Implications of Lanthanide Contraction:
   • Chemical Properties: The contraction affects the ionic radii, which in turn influences the coordination numbers and the stability of complexes formed by these elements.
   • Physical Properties: It contributes to the similarity in ionic radii of elements in the same group, leading to similar chemistry among them.
5. Conclusion:
   The lanthanide contraction from Ce to Lu is characterized by a gradual decrease in ionic radii due to the increasing nuclear charge and poor shielding by 4f electrons. The magnitude of this contraction is approximately \( 0.10 \, \text{Å} \).

Therefore, the lanthanide contraction from Ce to Lu is \( \boxed{0.10 \, \text{Å}} \).