NEET levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 1 of 3df175
Actinoids show a wider range of oxidation states than lanthanoids mainly because
Athe 5f electrons are tightly held and never take part in bonding
Bthe 5f orbitals lie deep inside the core
Cactinoids have a smaller nuclear charge
Dthe 5f, 6d and 7s orbitals are of comparable energy
Answer: D
In the early actinoids the 5f, 6d and 7s energies are close, so electrons from all three can be used in bonding. In lanthanoids 4f is buried and rarely used, so mostly +3 is seen.