Q27 P - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

What atomic property of the lanthanides leads to their remarkably similar chemical properties?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Lanthanides have similar chemical properties because these elements can easily lose 3 electrons and form M³⁺ ions very similar radii.

Step 1: Definition of lanthanide

Lanthanide, also called lanthanide, any of the series of 15 consecutive chemical elements in the periodic table from lanthanum to lutetium (atomic numbers 57-71). With scandium and yttrium, they make up the rare-earth metals

Step 2: The atomic properties of lanthanides

Like other transition elements, the atomic properties of lanthanides do not differ much across theperiod. Lanthanides have similar chemical properties because these elements can easily lose 3 electrons and form M³⁺_ions of very similar radii.