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The lanthanide contraction is responsible for the fact that [1997]           (Atomic numbers : Zr = 40, Y = 39, Nb = 41, Hf = 72, Zn = 30)
  • a)
    Zr and Y have about the same radius
  • b)
    Zr and Nb have similar oxidation state
  • c)
    Zr and Hf have about the same radius
  • d)
    Zr and Zn have the same oxidation states
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
The lanthanide contraction is responsible for the fact that [1997] ...
We know that regular decrease in the size of the atoms and ions is called lanthanide contraction. In vertical column of transition elements there is a very small change in size and some times size is found same from second member to third member.The similarity in size of the atoms of Zr and Hf is evident due to the object of lanthanide contraction. Therefore Zr and Hf both have same radius 160 pm.
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Most Upvoted Answer
The lanthanide contraction is responsible for the fact that [1997] ...
The lanthanide contraction refers to the decrease in atomic and ionic radii of the elements in the lanthanide series (from lanthanum to lutetium) compared to the elements in the preceding group, the transition metals. This contraction is primarily due to the poor shielding effect of the 4f electrons in the lanthanide series.

Explanation:

The lanthanide contraction is responsible for the fact that Zr and Hf have about the same radius. This can be explained as follows:

1. The lanthanide contraction:
- The 4f electrons in the lanthanide series do not effectively shield the increasing nuclear charge as we move across the period.
- As a result, the effective nuclear charge experienced by the outermost electrons increases, leading to a decrease in atomic and ionic radii.
- This contraction is more pronounced in the lanthanide series, resulting in smaller atomic and ionic radii compared to the preceding transition metals.

2. Zirconium (Zr) and hafnium (Hf):
- Zr and Hf belong to the same group (Group 4) in the periodic table and have similar electronic configurations.
- Zr has an atomic number of 40, and Hf has an atomic number of 72.
- Due to the lanthanide contraction, the atomic and ionic radii of Hf are significantly smaller than what would be expected based on its atomic number.
- Therefore, Zr and Hf have similar radii, despite the significant difference in atomic number.

3. Reasoning:
- Since Zr and Hf have similar radii, option C, which states that Zr and Hf have about the same radius, is the correct answer.
- Options A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the effect of the lanthanide contraction on the properties of the elements mentioned.

In conclusion, the lanthanide contraction is responsible for the fact that Zr and Hf have about the same radius. This contraction occurs due to the poor shielding effect of the 4f electrons in the lanthanide series, resulting in smaller atomic and ionic radii compared to the preceding transition metals.
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The lanthanide contraction is responsible for the fact that [1997] (Atomic numbers : Zr = 40, Y = 39, Nb = 41, Hf = 72, Zn = 30)a)Zr and Y have about the same radiusb)Zr and Nb have similar oxidation statec)Zr and Hf have about the same radiusd)Zr and Zn have the same oxidation statesCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for Class 12 2025 is part of Class 12 preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Class 12 exam syllabus. Information about The lanthanide contraction is responsible for the fact that [1997] (Atomic numbers : Zr = 40, Y = 39, Nb = 41, Hf = 72, Zn = 30)a)Zr and Y have about the same radiusb)Zr and Nb have similar oxidation statec)Zr and Hf have about the same radiusd)Zr and Zn have the same oxidation statesCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for Class 12 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for The lanthanide contraction is responsible for the fact that [1997] (Atomic numbers : Zr = 40, Y = 39, Nb = 41, Hf = 72, Zn = 30)a)Zr and Y have about the same radiusb)Zr and Nb have similar oxidation statec)Zr and Hf have about the same radiusd)Zr and Zn have the same oxidation statesCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
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