JEE Advanced levelOne or more correct optionsDifficulty 3 of 3df220
Which statements correctly compare lanthanoids and actinoids?
AActinoids show a wider range of oxidation states than lanthanoids
BThe 5f orbitals extend further from the nucleus than 4f orbitals, so they take part in bonding more readily
CThe energy gap among 5f, 6d and 7s is smaller than among 4f, 5d and 6s
DAll lanthanoids are radioactive, like all actinoids
Answer: A, B, C
The 5f set is more diffuse and closer to 6d/7s, giving more variable oxidation states and greater covalency. Among lanthanoids only Pm is radioactive, so the last statement is wrong.