Home
NCERT Soltions
Class 12
Chemistry
The d-and f-Block Elements
Compare the chemistry of actinoids with that of the lanthanoids with s...

Compare the chemistry of actinoids with | Class 12 Chemistry Chapter The d-and f-Block Elements, The d-and f-Block Elements NCERT Solutions

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry - Chapter The d-and f-Block Elements. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 2, Question 20: . With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 20:

Compare the chemistry of actinoids with that of the lanthanoids with specialreference to:

(i) electronic configuration

(ii) atomic and ionic sizes

(iii) oxidation stateand

(iv) chemical reactivity.

Answer:

(i) Electronic configuration

The general electronic configuration for lanthanoids is [Xe]⁵⁴4f^0-145d^0-16s²and that for actinoids is [Rn]⁸⁶5f^1-146d^0-17s². Unlike 4forbitals, 5f orbitals are not deeply buried and participate in bonding to a greater extent.

(ii) Oxidation states

The principal oxidation state of lanthanoids is (+3). However, sometimes we also encounter oxidation states of + 2 and + 4. This is because of extra stability of fully-filled and half-filled orbitals. Actinoids exhibit a greater range of oxidation states. This is because the 5f, 6d, and 7s levels are of comparable energies. Again, (+3) is the principal oxidation state for actinoids. Actinoids such as lanthanoids have more compounds in +3 state than in +4 state.

(iii) Atomic and lonic sizes

Similar to lanthanoids, actinoids also exhibit actinoid contraction (overall decrease in atomic and ionic radii). The contraction is greater due to the poor shielding effect of 5f orbitals.

(iv) Chemical reactivity

In the lanthanide series, the earlier members of the series are more reactive. They have reactivity that is comparable to Ca. With an increase in the atomic number, the lanthanides start behaving similar to Al. Actinoids, on the other hand, are highly reactive metals, especially when they are finely divided. When they are added to boiling water, they give a mixture of oxide and hydride. Actinoids combine with most of the non-metals at moderate temperatures. Alkalies have no action on these actinoids. In case of acids, they are slightly affected by nitric acid (because of the formation of a protective oxide layer).

Other Questions of Chapter The d-and f-Block Elements

What are the different oxidation states exhibited by the lanthanoids?

Describe the oxidising action of potassium dichromate and write the ionicequations for its reaction with:

(i) iodide

(ii) iron

(II) solution and

(iii) H₂S

How would you account for the following:

(i) Of the d⁴ species, Cr²⁺ is strongly reducing while manganese (III) is strongly oxidising.

(ii) Cobalt (II) is stable in aqueous solution but in the presence of complexing reagents it is easily oxidised.

(iii) The d¹ configuration is very unstable in ions.

Explain giving reasons:

(i) Transition metals and many of their compounds show paramagnetic behaviour.

(ii) The enthalpies of atomisation of the transition metals are high.

(iii) The transition metals generally form coloured compounds.

(iv) Transition metals and their many compounds act as good catalyst.

Explain why Cu⁺ ion is not stable in aqueous solutions?

Calculate the 'spin only' magnetic moment of M²⁺_(aq) ion (Z = 27).

Which is the last element in the series of the actinoids? Write the electronic configuration of this element. Comment on the possible oxidation state of this element.

What may be the stable oxidation state of the transition element with the following d electron configurations in the ground state of their atoms :

3d³, 3d⁵, 3d⁸ and 3d⁴?

For M²⁺/M and M³⁺/M²⁺ systems, the E^⊖ values for some metals are as follows:

Cr²⁺/Cr -0.9V

Cr³/Cr²⁺ -0.4 V

Mn²⁺/Mn -1.2V

Mn³⁺/Mn²⁺ +1.5 V

Fe²⁺/Fe -0.4V

Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ +0.8 V

Use this data to comment upon:

(i) The stability of Fe³⁺in acid solution as compared to that of Cr³⁺or Mn³⁺ and

(ii) The ease with which iron can be oxidised as compared to a similar process for either chromium or manganese metal.

Comment on the statement that elements of the first transition series possess many properties different from those of heavier transition elements.

Popular questions of class 12 Chemistry

How the following conversions can be carried out?

(i) Propene to propan-1-ol

(ii) Ethanol to but-1-yne

(iii) 1-Bromopropane to 2-bromopropane

(iv) Toluene to benzyl alcohol

(v) Benzene to 4-bromonitrobenzene

(vi) Benzyl alcohol to 2-phenylethanoic acid

(vii) Ethanol to propanenitrile

(viii) Aniline to chlorobenzene

(ix) 2-Chlorobutane to 3, 4-dimethylhexane

(x) 2-Methyl-1-propene to 2-chloro-2-methylpropane

(xi) Ethyl chloride to propanoic acid

(xii) But-1-ene to n-butyliodide

(xiii) 2-Chloropropane to 1-propanol

(xiv) Isopropyl alcohol to iodoform

(xv) Chlorobenzene to p-nitrophenol

(xvi) 2-Bromopropane to 1-bromopropane

(xvii) Chloroethane to butane

(xviii) Benzene to diphenyl

(xix) tert-Butyl bromide to isobutyl bromide

(xx) Aniline to phenylisocyanide

Give simple chemical tests to distinguish between the following pairs of compounds.

(i) Propanal and Propanone

(ii) Acetophenone and Benzophenone

(iii) Phenol and Benzoic acid

(iv) Benzoic acid and Ethyl benzoate

(v) Pentan-2-one and Pentan-3-one

(vi) Benzaldehyde and Acetophenone

(vii) Ethanal and Propanal

A 5% solution (by mass) of cane sugar in water has freezing point of 271 K. Calculate the freezing point of 5% glucose in water if freezing point of pure water is 273.15 K.

A solution of glucose in water is labelled as 10% w/w, what would be the molality and mole fraction of each component in the solution? If the density of solution is 1.2 g mL^-1, then what shall be the molarity of the solution?

Henry's law constant for CO₂ in water is 1.67 x 10⁸Pa at 298 K. Calculate the quantity of CO₂in 500 mL of soda water when packed under 2.5 atm CO₂pressure at 298 K.

Calculate the mass of a non-volatile solute (molar mass 40 g mol^-1) which should be dissolved in 114 g octane to reduce its vapour pressure to 80%.

The vapour pressure of pure liquids A and B are 450 and 700 mm Hg respectively, at 350 K. Find out the composition of the liquid mixture if total vapour pressure is 600 mm Hg. Also find the composition of the vapour phase.

Calculate the mole fraction of benzene in solution containing 30% by mass in carbon tetrachloride.

How many mL of 0.1 M HCl are required to react completely with 1 g mixture of Na₂CO₃ and NaHCO₃ containing equimolar amounts of both?

If NaCl is doped with 10^-3mol % of SrCl₂, what is the concentration of cation vacancies?

Recently Viewed Questions of Class 12 Chemistry

Henry's law constant for CO₂ in water is 1.67 x 10⁸Pa at 298 K. Calculate the quantity of CO₂in 500 mL of soda water when packed under 2.5 atm CO₂pressure at 298 K.

What are nucleic acids? Mention their two important functions.

The reaction between A and B is first order with respect to A and zero order with respect to B. Fill in the blanks in the following table:

Experiment	A/ mol L^{- 1}	B/ mol L^{- 1}	Initial rate/mol L^{- 1} min^{- 1}
I	0.1	0.1	2.0 × 10^{- 2}
II	--	0.2	4.0 × 10^{- 2}
III	0.4	0.4	--
IV	--	0.2	2.0 × 10^{- 2}

Mention the conditions required to maximise the yield of ammonia.

Ionic solids conduct electricity in molten state but not in solid state. Explain.

What type of solids are electrical conductors, malleable and ductile?

Write the structure of the major organic product in each of the following reactions:

Ferric oxide crystallises in a hexagonal close-packed array of oxide ions with two out of every three octahedral holes occupied by ferric ions. Derive the formula of the ferric oxide.

How will you bring about the following conversions?

(i) Ethanol to but-1-yne

(ii) Ethane to bromoethene

(iii) Propene to 1-nitropropane

(iv) Toluene to benzyl alcohol

(v) Propene to propyne

(vi) Ethanol to ethyl fluoride

(vii) Bromomethane to propanone

(viii) But-1-ene to but-2-ene

(ix) 1-Chlorobutane to n-octane

(x) Benzene to biphenyl.

What is meant by hydroboration-oxidation reaction? Illustrate it with an example.

Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about The d-and f-Block Elements.
Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

Latest Blog Posts

Stay updated with our latest educational content and study tips

Smart Questions to Ask in a Parent-Teacher Meeting | PTM Made Easy

Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) are more than quick updates on marks — they’re a chance to build a real partnership between home and school. A good Parent-Teacher Meeting conversation helps parents see beyond grades. It opens up insights about a child’s strengths, struggles, emotions and even hidden talents. When parents participate actively, they don’t just track […]

The Secret to Smarter Learning — Building Strong Critical Thinking Skills

In today’s world of endless information , knowing how to think is more important than knowing what to think . From school projects to real – life decisions , critical thinking helps students question ideas , analyze facts and form logical conclusions . But what exactly does critical thinking mean ? Simply put , it’s […]

Study Smarter, Not Harder: Build Productive Habits That Stick

Every student dreams of better grades , stronger focus and more study time – but the real challenge isn’t starting, it’s staying consistent . Building productive study habits is not about studying all day , it’s about studying smart . In today’s fast – paced digital world, distractions are everywhere – from endless phone notifications […]

The Hidden Risks of Online Gaming for Children — Is your child safe while gaming online?

Online gaming has rapidly become one of the most popular pastimes among children. Whether it’s multiplayer mobile games , PC adventures or console challenges , kids are spending more time than ever in the virtual world . On the surface, gaming seems entertaining and even educational – improving hand- eye coordination , teamwork and problem […]

View All Blog Posts