default_background
✕

Find the best tutors and institutes for Class 12 Tuition

Find Best Class 12 Tuition

Please select a Category.

Please select a Locality.

No matching category found.

No matching Locality found.

Q4.7:
What is lanthanoid contraction? What are the consequences of lanthanoid contraction?

Solution :

Definition of Lanthanoid Contraction

Lanthanoid contraction is the steady and gradual decrease in the atomic and ionic radii of the lanthanoids ($Ln^{3+}$ ions) as the atomic number increases from Lanthanum ($Z=57$) to Lutetium ($Z=71$).

Theoretical Origin & Mechanism

As we proceed across the lanthanoid series, each additional electron enters the $4f$ orbital. The $4f$ subshell possesses a highly diffused shape [Per the principles of quantum mechanical shielding], which provides extremely poor shielding for the valence electrons against the increasing nuclear charge ($Z_{eff}$).

The effective nuclear charge increases steadily because the inward pull of the nucleus on the electrons is not adequately countered by the screening effect of the $4f$ electrons. Consequently, the entire electron cloud is pulled closer to the nucleus, resulting in a contraction of the atomic/ionic volume.

La (57) Lu (71) Atomic Radii Trend

Consequences of Lanthanoid Contraction

The phenomenon has significant implications for the chemical and physical properties of the elements:

Consequence Analytical Explanation
Similarity in sizes of 4d and 5d elements The atomic radii of Zr ($160$ pm) and Hf ($159$ pm) are nearly identical because the increase in size expected from descending the group is exactly offset by the lanthanoid contraction.
Difficulty in separation Due to the minimal variation in ionic radii across the lanthanoid series, their chemical properties are extremely similar, making individual separation via traditional chemical methods exceptionally difficult.
Variation in basicity As the size of $Ln^{3+}$ ions decreases from $La^{3+}$ to $Lu^{3+}$, the covalent character of $Ln-OH$ bonds increases [Per Fajan's Rule]. Consequently, the basic strength decreases from $La(OH)_3$ to $Lu(OH)_3$.

Summary of Chemical Impacts

  • Chemical Homogeneity: The series behaves as a coherent group, hindering isolation through precipitation or crystallization.
  • Transition Series Parallels: The pair (Nb-Ta) and (Mo-W) also exhibit similar properties to the (Zr-Hf) pair due to this phenomenon, essentially "collapsing" the expected periodic trends in the third transition series.
  • Structural Integrity: The contraction influences the coordination numbers and geometries of lanthanoid complexes, as the smaller ionic radii favor higher packing density.

Final Solution: Lanthanoid contraction is the progressive decrease in ionic radii of $Ln^{3+}$ ions due to the poor shielding of $4f$ orbitals; its primary consequences include the chemical similarity of lanthanoids, the near-identical radii of $4d$ and $5d$ transition elements, and the decrease in basicity of lanthanoid hydroxides from $La$ to $Lu$.


More Questions from Class 12 Chemistry The d- and f-Block Elements Exercises


CBSE Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry The d- and f-Block Elements


Chapters in CBSE - Class 12 Chemistry


Top Tutors who teach The d- and f-Block Elements

(110)
superTutorSuper Tutor
locationImg Sector 83, Gurgaon
experience 20 yrs of Exp students 103 students
greenClock 4979 hrs of classes completed
rsIcon 800 per hour
Associate Professor-Mathematics with 25 years of Experience in
Online Classes Online Classes
regularClasses Tutor's home

With 26 years of extensive experience in teaching mathematics, I specialize in instructing students from grades 9 through 12 across various boards, including CBSE, ICSE, and State Boards. My academic qualifications include a BSc, BTech in Mathematics, MSc, BEd, and I am currently pursuing a PhD. This strong educational background, coupled with my long-standing commitment to teaching, has allowed me to develop a comprehensive approach to mathematics education. I have held prestigious positions as a College Associate Professor at esteemed institutions such as Ganga Institute of Technology and Management, VAISH College, and BLS University. My dedication to teaching has been recognized with the Best Teacher Award from both VAISH College and Ganga Institute of Technology and Management. These accolades reflect my commitment to delivering high-quality education and fostering academic excellence in my students. Currently, I run my own offline center where I conduct mathematics classes for students in grades 9 through 12. In addition to my offline classes, I also offer online sessions to provide flexible learning options. My teaching methods involve practical sessions using a whiteboard to facilitate a clear and engaging learning experience. I emphasize the importance of regular assessments, providing my students with notes, assignments, and weekly tests to track their progress and ensure thorough understanding. My approach to teaching mathematics is rooted in practical application and interactive learning. By focusing on real-world problems and fostering a supportive learning environment, I aim to help students build a strong foundation in mathematics, achieve academic success, and develop a lifelong appreciation for the subject.

Rishik Gupta

Very nice teacher I saw significant improvement in my mathematics. Very carefully planned lessons. Plans realy do work. Alot of practice which helps improve overall.

Skills: Mathematics , Applied Mathematics
Also teaches: BTech Tuition, Class 9 Tuition and more

(7)
Top Tutor
locationImg Sarv Suvidha Nagar, Indore
experience 1 yrs of Exp students 3 students
greenClock 188 hrs of classes completed
rsIcon 350 per hour
Experienced SST AND ECONOMICS Faculty (Ex-Physics Wallah) AI-Powered Learning for Better Results
Online Classes Online Classes

I am an AI-enabled Social Science educator with experience teaching Grades 6–10 at Physics Wallah. I specialize in simplifying complex concepts through visual PPT-based learning, storytelling, and engaging teaching methods. With a strong focus on conceptual clarity and student engagement, I also integrate AI tools to create modern, effective learning experiences. My goal is to make Social Science easy, interesting, and relatable for every student.

Prajval Dogra

Very Good experience.

Skills: Economics
Also teaches: Class 11 Tuition, Class 9 Tuition and more

(16)
Top Tutor
locationImg Crossings Republik, Ghaziabad
experience 20 yrs of Exp students 12 students
rsIcon 500 per hour
20 years of experience accounts for 11th,12th,b.com.,m.com,bba,mba,cpt,ca,cs
Online Classes Online Classes
homeTutions Student's Home
regularClasses Tutor's home

I am an experienced, qualified teacher and tutor with over 20 years of experience in teaching accounts and income tax across different boards including CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE and State Board for different classes 11th,12th,b.com,m.com,bba,mba,cpt,ca,ipcc,cs . Passionate about solving student's problems over the years I have helped thousands of students overcome their fear of accounts and income tax. So far, I have worked as a Teacher with radiant academy, desired tutors, expert tutors, tutor nation, career makers.

Skills: Accounts , Accountancy
Also teaches: Class 10 Tuition, BCom Tuition and more

(5)
Top Tutor
locationImg Govindpuram D-Block, Ghaziabad
experience 1 yrs of Exp
Online Classes Online Classes

I am an experienced, enthusiastic and well focused Teacher and I am giving home tuition since 2018. I am certified in B1. I also have a degree in B1. My key skills are Hardworking, Determined and Passionate. My accomplishments are Topper in A1 level, Class topper of Class 12 th and 1 st rank in College. I like to read novels in my free time and I want to promote education and well-being of children at all times. Always engaged in continuous learning in order to broaden my Knowledge and Experience.

Skills: Economics , Business Studies

(26)
Top Tutor
locationImg Lake Town, Kolkata
experience 10 yrs of Exp students 2 students
greenClock 651 hrs of classes completed
rsIcon 650 per hour
Online English and Social studies tutor
Online Classes Online Classes

I am an educator with 9 years of teaching experience, specializing in English and Social Science for students from Class 1 to Class 12. Over the years, I have worked with learners from diverse academic backgrounds and age groups, helping them build a strong understanding of concepts while improving their overall academic performance and confidence. I hold a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree and have also completed a TESOL certification. This professional training has strengthened my ability to teach English effectively, especially to students who are developing their language skills. It has helped me adopt learner-friendly techniques that focus on clarity, communication, and real-life usage of the language. My teaching experience spans primary, middle, and senior secondary levels, which allows me to adapt my teaching style according to the learner’s age and learning pace. In both English and Social Science, I focus on developing conceptual clarity, critical thinking, and answer-writing skills that are essential for school exams and overall academic growth. I follow a structured and well-planned lesson approach for every class. Each topic is taught step by step, starting from the basics and gradually moving to deeper understanding. I ensure that students are comfortable with the subject matter before progressing further, making learning less stressful and more effective. My classes are interactive and student-focused. I encourage students to ask questions, share their thoughts, and participate actively during lessons. I use practical examples, real-life connections, and discussions to make concepts easier to understand and more engaging, especially in subjects like Social Science. I conduct both online and offline classes and make use of PPTs and whiteboard-based teaching to support visual learning. My aim is to create a positive and supportive learning environment where students feel motivated, confident, and well-prepared to perform well academically while developing a genuine interest in English and Social Science.

Skills: English , Political Science and more
Also teaches: Class 8 Tuition, Class 10 Tuition and more

Other Subjects in CBSE - Class 12

Worksheet Icon

Download free CBSE - Class 12 Chemistry The d- and f-Block Elements Exercises worksheets

Download Now

Find Best Class 12 Tuition ?

Find Now »