Question

The incorrect statement among the following is :

• A. Actinoid contraction is greater for element to element than Lanthanoid contraction.
• B. Most of the trivalent Lanthanoid ions are colorless in the solid state.
• C. Lanthanoids are good conductors of heat and electricity.
• D. Actinoids are highly reactive metals, especially when finely divided

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To identify the incorrect statement among the given options, let's evaluate each statement based on our knowledge of lanthanoids and actinoids.

1. Actinoid contraction is greater for element to element than Lanthanoid contraction.
   • The actinoid contraction is indeed greater than lanthanoid contraction. This is due to the poorer shielding effect of the 5f orbitals compared to the 4f orbitals in lanthanoids. As a result, the effective nuclear charge experienced by the outer electrons is higher, causing a greater contraction.
2. Most of the trivalent Lanthanoid ions are colorless in the solid state.
   • This statement is incorrect. Most trivalent lanthanoid ions are colored due to the presence of partially filled f-orbitals which allows f-f transitions, leading to various colors.
3. Lanthanoids are good conductors of heat and electricity.
   • This is true. Lanthanoids have metallic bonding due to their large number of delocalized electrons, making them good conductors of heat and electricity.
4. Actinoids are highly reactive metals, especially when finely divided.
   • This is correct. Actinoids are known for their reactivity, and when finely divided, they react more vigorously with water, oxygen, and other elements.

Based on the analysis, the statement that "Most of the trivalent Lanthanoid ions are colorless in the solid state" is incorrect. The correct answer is therefore this option.