Question
Identify the factor responsible for the greater range of oxidation states in actinoids.
MHT CET
Chemistry
d and f Block Elements
2026
MHT CET 2026 (15 April Shift 1)
MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution
Options
- A. actinoid contraction
- B. radioactive nature of actinoids
- C. 5f, 6d and 7s levels having comparable energies
- D. 4f and 5d levels being close in energies
Answer
C. 5f, 6d and 7s levels having comparable energies
Step-by-step solution
Actinoids exhibit a greater range of oxidation states compared to lanthanoids. This is because the energy difference between the 5f, 6d, and 7s orbitals is very small. As a result, electrons from all these energy levels can participate in bond formation, leading to variable and higher oxidation states. Answer: 5f, 6d and 7s levels having comparable energies
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