Statement I: The size of Zr and Hf are similarStatement II: Size of Hf...
Statement I: The size of Zr and Hf are similar
The size of an atom is determined by the distance between the nucleus and the outermost electron shell. It is generally determined by the atomic radius, which is the distance from the nucleus to the outermost electron shell.
Zirconium (Zr) and hafnium (Hf) are two elements that belong to the same group in the periodic table, specifically Group 4. Elements in the same group have similar properties due to the arrangement of their electrons in the outermost shell. This similarity in electron configuration leads to similar atomic radii for elements in the same group.
Therefore, it is correct to say that the size of Zr and Hf are similar.
Statement II: Size of Hf is affected by lanthanide contraction
The lanthanide contraction is a phenomenon that occurs when electrons are added to the 4f subshell of the lanthanide series elements. This causes the atomic radii of the elements to decrease as you move across the period.
Hafnium is located immediately below the lanthanide series in the periodic table, and it is affected by the lanthanide contraction. As electrons are added to the 4f subshell in the lanthanide series, the atomic radius of the elements decreases. Since Hf is located right below this series, it also experiences a decrease in atomic radius due to the lanthanide contraction.
Explanation:
Statement I is correct because Zr and Hf belong to the same group in the periodic table and therefore have similar atomic radii.
Statement II is correct because Hf is affected by the lanthanide contraction, which causes a decrease in its atomic radius.
Statement II is a correct explanation of Statement I because the similarity in size between Zr and Hf can be attributed to the fact that both elements are affected by the lanthanide contraction. This phenomenon leads to a decrease in atomic radius as you move across the period, resulting in similar sizes for elements in the same group.
Therefore, the correct answer is option A: Statement I and II are correct, and Statement II is a correct explanation of Statement I.