Academic session 2026-27, Chapter 4 in the current curriculum.
Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry - Chapter The d-and f-Block Elements. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 2, Question 20:
Compare the chemistry of actinoids with that of the lanthanoids with specialreference to:
(i) electronic configuration
(ii) atomic and ionic sizes
(iii) oxidation stateand
(iv) chemical reactivity.
. With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.Compare the chemistry of actinoids with that of the lanthanoids with specialreference to:
(i) electronic configuration
(ii) atomic and ionic sizes
(iii) oxidation stateand
(iv) chemical reactivity.
(i) Electronic configuration
The general electronic configuration for lanthanoids is [Xe]544f0-145d0-16s2 and that for actinoids is [Rn]865f1-146d0-17s2. Unlike 4forbitals, 5f orbitals are not deeply buried and participate in bonding to a greater extent.
(ii) Oxidation states
The principal oxidation state of lanthanoids is (+3). However, sometimes we also encounter oxidation states of + 2 and + 4. This is because of extra stability of fully-filled and half-filled orbitals. Actinoids exhibit a greater range of oxidation states. This is because the 5f, 6d, and 7s levels are of comparable energies. Again, (+3) is the principal oxidation state for actinoids. Actinoids such as lanthanoids have more compounds in +3 state than in +4 state.
(iii) Atomic and lonic sizes
Similar to lanthanoids, actinoids also exhibit actinoid contraction (overall decrease in atomic and ionic radii). The contraction is greater due to the poor shielding effect of 5f orbitals.
(iv) Chemical reactivity
In the lanthanide series, the earlier members of the series are more reactive. They have reactivity that is comparable to Ca. With an increase in the atomic number, the lanthanides start behaving similar to Al. Actinoids, on the other hand, are highly reactive metals, especially when they are finely divided. When they are added to boiling water, they give a mixture of oxide and hydride. Actinoids combine with most of the non-metals at moderate temperatures. Alkalies have no action on these actinoids. In case of acids, they are slightly affected by nitric acid (because of the formation of a protective oxide layer).
The reaction between A and B is first order with respect to A and zero order with respect to B. Fill in the blanks in the following table:
| Experiment |
A/ mol L - 1 |
B/ mol L - 1 |
Initial rate/mol L - 1 min - 1 |
| I | 0.1 | 0.1 |
2.0 × 10 - 2 |
| II | -- | 0.2 |
4.0 × 10 - 2 |
| III | 0.4 | 0.4 | -- |
| IV | -- | 0.2 |
2.0 × 10 - 2 |
NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:
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Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 2 , Question 20: Compare the chemistry of actinoids with that of the lanthanoids with specialreference to: (i) ele....
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