Question

Give any two differences between Lanthanides and Actinides.

Answer 1

Hint: Lanthanides and Actinides are elements with unfilled f orbitals. Lanthanides are all metals with reactivity similar to group 2. Actinides are all radioactive elements. Now, list out their differences accordingly.

Complete answer:
Let us try to understand what lanthanoids and actinoids are actually:
The Lanthanide series include elements 58 to 71, which fill their 4f sublevel progressively. The Actinides are elements 89 to 103 and Fill their 5f sublevel progressively.The Actinides are typically metals and have properties of both the d-block and the f-block elements, but they are also radioactive.

Now, let us differentiate between lanthanoids and actinoids:
Lanthanides:
1. Lanthanides are located in the Lanthanide series.
2. They are non-radioactive elements( except promethium).
3. Have their valence electrons in a 4f orbital.
4. Includes elements with atomic numbers ranging from 57 to 71.
5. They do not have the ability to form complexes.

Actinides:
1. Actinide are located in the Actinide series.
2. There are radioactive elements.
3. Have their valence electrons in a 5f orbital.
4. Includes elements with atomic numbers ranging from 89 to 103.
5. They have the ability to form complexes.

Note: Lanthanides and actinides are metals but are very soft. They have different chemical properties. The main difference between them is that Actinides can form complexes easily whereas Lanthanides do not form complexes easily.