NEET2026Chemistryd and f Block ElementsActual
Although +3 oxidation state is most common in lanthanoids, cerium still shows +4 oxidation state because :
Options
- AAfter losing one more electron, it acquires 4f¹⁴ electronic configuration.
- BIts nearest inert gas is Radon.
- CIts atomic number is 61 .
- DAfter losing one more electron, it acquires 4f⁰ electronic configuration.
Correct answer
D. After losing one more electron, it acquires 4f⁰ electronic configuration.
Step-by-step solution
The atomic number of Cerium (Ce) is 58 . The electronic configuration of Ce is [Xe] 4f¹ 5d¹ 6s² . In +3 oxidation state, the electronic configuration of Ce³⁺ is [Xe] 4f¹ . By losing one more electron, it forms Ce⁴⁺ ion. The electronic configuration of Ce⁴⁺ is [Xe] 4f⁰ , which is a highly stable noble gas configuration. Thus, Cerium shows +4 oxidation state because after losing one more electron from +3 state, it acquires 4f⁰ electronic configuration. Answer: After losing one more electron, it acquires 4f⁰ electroni