NEET NEET SOLVED PAPER 2015 (C)

  • question_answer
    Because of lanthanoid contraction, which of the following pairs of elements have nearly same atomic radii? (Numbers in the parenthesis are atomic numbers).                                                                              

    A)  \[Ti(22)and\,Zr(40)\]   

    B)  \[Zr(40)and\,Nb(41)\]

    C)         \[Zr(40)and\,Hf\,(72)\]

    D)         \[Zr(40)and\,Ta(73)\]

    Correct Answer: C

    Solution :

    Because of the lanthanoid contraction \[Zr\] (atomic radii 160 pm) and \[Hf\] (atomic radii 158. pm) have nearly same atomic radii. Lanthanoids   include   the   elements   from lanthanum La (Z = 57) to lutetium Lu (Z = 71). zirconium Zr (40) belong to the second transition series (4d) and Hf (72) belongs to third transition series (5d). Lanthanoid contraction is associated with the intervention of the 4f orbitals which are filled before the 5d-series of elements starts. The filling of 4f if orbitals before 5d-orbitals results in regular decrease in atomic radii which compensates the expected increase in atomic size with increasing atomic number. As a result of this lanthanoid contraction, the elements of second and third transition series have almost similar atomic radii.


You need to login to perform this action.
You will be redirected in 3 sec spinner