The lanthanides and actinides belong to the inner transition metals from "summary" of The Periodic Table: A Very Short Introduction by Eric R. Scerri
The lanthanides and actinides are two sets of elements that are placed separately at the bottom of the periodic table, beneath the main body of elements. They are known as inner transition metals because they exhibit similar chemical properties to the transition metals, which are located in the d-block of the periodic table. However, the lanthanides and actinides have unique characteristics that set them apart from the rest of the elements. One key feature of the lanthanides and actinides is their electron configurations. These elements have partially filled f-orbitals, which gives them their distinctive properties. The f-orbitals are located in the innermost shells of the atoms, which is why these elements are called inner transition metals. The presence of the f-orbitals allows the lanthanides and actinides to form a wide variety of compounds with different oxidation states. A...
Similar Posts
Transition metals exhibit variable oxidation states
Transition metals are a unique group of elements that exhibit a fascinating property known as variable oxidation states. Unlike...
The periodic table continues to evolve with new discoveries
The periodic table, long considered a static and unchanging representation of the elements, is actually a dynamic and evolving ...
The world of science is forever changed thanks to Mendeleyev's dream
Mendeleyev's dream was a vision that revolutionized the world of science. His quest to organize the elements led to the creatio...
The octet rule states that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration
The octet rule is a fundamental concept in chemistry that helps us understand how atoms interact with each other. Atoms are con...
The lanthanides and actinides belong to the inner transition metals
The lanthanides and actinides are two sets of elements that are placed separately at the bottom of the periodic table, beneath ...
The lanthanides and actinides are located below the main body of the table
The positioning of the lanthanides and actinides below the main body of the periodic table is a unique feature that reflects th...