F – BLOCK ELEMENTS (Inorganic Chemistry)

EXERCISE-I
With
1. Ln (Lanthanide) (X)
Halogen
Burn with
Ln (Lanthanide) (Y)
O2
Δ with
Ln (Lanthanide) (Z)
N2
X, Y&Z are respectively -
(A) LnX 3 , Ln2 O3 , Ln3 N (B) LnX 3 , Ln2 O3 , LnN
(C) LnX 2 , LnO, LnN (D) LnX 2 , Ln2 O3 , Ln3 N

2. Which is consequence of lanthanide contraction -

(A) Size of Zr ≫ Hf (B) Size of Zr ≪ Hf
(C) Size of Zr ≈ Hf (D) Size of Zr > Zr 4+

3. Select reducing agent out of given options-

(A) Ce4+ (B) Eu2+ (C) La3+ (D) Na+

4. The lanthanide contraction is responsible for the fact that :-

(A) Zr and Y have about the same radius
(B) Zr and Nb have similar oxidation state
(C) Zr and Hf have about the same radius
(D) Zr and Zn have the same oxidation state

5. In the lanthanide series, the basicity of the lanthanide hydroxides

(A) Increases (B) Decreases
(C) First increase and then decrease (D) First decrease and then increases

6. The correct order of ionic radii of Y 3+ , La3+ , Eu3+ and Lu3+ is

(A) Lu3+ < Eu3+ < La3+ < Y 3+ (B) La3+ < Eu3+ < Lu3+ < Y 3+
(C) Y 3+ < La3+ < Eu3+ < Lu3+ (D) Y 3+ < Lu3+ < Eu3+ < La3+

7. Which of the following pairs has the same size ?

(A) Zn2+ , H𝑓 4+ (B) Fe2+ , Ni2+ (C) Zr 4+ , Ti−4+ (D) Zr 4+ , H𝑓 4+

8. Which of the following ions will exhibit colour in aqueous solutions ?

(A) Sc 3+ (z = 21) (B) La3+ (z = 57)
(C) Ti3+ (z = 22) (D) Lu3+ (z = 71)

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EXERCISE-II
1. Identify the incorrect statement among the following-
(A) d-block elements show irregular and erratic chemical properties among themselves
(B) La and Lu have partially filled d-orbitals and no other partially filled orbitals
(C) The chemistry of various lanthanoids is very similar
(D) 4𝑓 and 5𝑓-orbitals are equally shielded

2. The actinoids exhibits more number of oxidation states in general than the lanthanoids. This is
because
(A) The 5𝑓-orbitals are more buried than the 4f-orbitals
(B) There is a similarly between 4𝑓-and- 5𝑓 in the their angular part of the wave function
(C) The actinoids are more reactive than the lanthanoids
(D) The 5𝑓-orbitals extend further from the nucleus than the 4𝑓-orbitals

3. Lanthanoid contraction is caused due to

(A) the same effective nuclear charge from Ce to Lu
(B) the imperfect shielding on outer electrons by 4f electrons from the nuclear charge
(C) the appreciable shielding on outer electrons by 4f electrons from the nuclear charge
(D) the appreciable shielding on outer electrons by 5 d electrons from the nuclear charge

4. The lanthanoid contraction is responsible for the fact that -

(A) Zr and Y have about the same radius
(B) Zr and Nb have similar oxidation state
(C) Zr and Hf have about the same radius
(D) Zr and Zn have similar oxidation state

5. Cerium (Z = 58) is an important member of the lanthanoids. Which of the following statements
about cerium is incorrect -
(A) Cerium (IV) acts as an oxidising agent
(B) The +3 oxidation state of cerium is more stable than the +4 oxidation state
(C) The +4 oxidation state of cerium is not known in solutions
(D) The common oxidation states of cerium are +3 and +4

6. The radius of La3+ is 1.06Å, which of the following given values will be closest to the radius of
Lu3+ (At no. of Lu = 71, La = 57 )-
(A) 1.6Å (B) 1.4Å (C) 1.06Å (D) 0.85Å

7. Arrange Ce3+ , La3+ , Pm3+ and Yb3+ in increasing order of their ionic radius -
(A) Yb3+ < Pm3+ < Ce3+ < La3+ (B) Ce3+ > Yb3+ < Pm3+ < La3+
(C) Yb3+ > Pm3+ < La3+ < Ce3+ (D) Pm3+ < La3+ < Ce3+ > Yb3+

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8. Knowing that the chemistry of lanthanoids (Ln) is dominated by its +3 oxidation state, which of
the following statements is incorrect ?
(A) Ln (III) compounds are generally colourless
(B) Ln (III) hydroxides are mainly basic in character
(C) Because of the large size of the Ln (III) ions the bonding in its compounds is predominently
ionic in character
(D) The ionic sizes of Ln(III) decrease in general with increasing atomic number

9. In context of the lanthanoids, which of the following statements is not correct?

(A) Because of similar properties the separation of lanthanoids is not easy
(B) Availability of 4f electrons results in the formation of compounds in +4 state for all the
members of the series
(C) There is a gradual decrease in the radii of the members with increasing atomic number in
the series
(D) All the members exhibit +3 oxidation state

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EXERCISE-III (JEE-MAIN)
1. Arrange Ce+3 , La+3 , Pm+3 and Yb+3 in increasing order of their ionic radii. (2002)
(a) Yb+3 < Pm+3 < Ce+3 < La+3 (b) Ce+3 < Yb+3 < Pm+3 < La+3
(c) Yb+3 < Pm+3 < La+3 < Ce+3 (d) Pm+3 < La+3 < Ce+3 < Yb+3

2. The radius of La3+ (Atomic number of La = 57 ) is 1.06Å. Which one of the following given
values will be closest to the radius of Lu3+ (Atomic number of Lu = 71 )? (2003)
(a) 1.40Å (b) 1.06Å (c) 0.85Å (d) 1.60Å

3. Identify the incorrect statement among the following:

(a) 4f and 5 forbitals are equally shielded.
(b) d-Block elements show irregular and erratic chemical properties among themselves.
(c) La and Lu have partially filled d-orbitals and no other partially filled orbitals.
(d) The chemistry of various lanthanoids is very similar.

4. The actinoids exhibit more number of oxidation states in general than the lanthanoids. This is
because (2007)
(a) The 5 f orbitals extend further from the nucleus than the 4f orbitals
(b) The 5 f orbitals are more buried than the 4 f orbitals
(c) There is a similarity between 4f and 5 forbitals in their angular part of the wave function
(d) The actinoids are more reactive than the lanthanoids.

5. Darger number of oxidation states are exhibited by the actinoids than those by the lanthanoids,
the main reason being (2007)
(a) 4 forbitals more diffused than the 5 forbitals1
(b) lesser energy difference between 5f and 6 d than between 4f and 5 d orbitals
(c) more energy difference between 5f and 6 d than between 4f and 5 d orbitals
(d) more reactive nature of the actinoids than the lanthanoids

6. Knowing that the chemistry of lanthanoids (Ln) is dominated by its +3 oxidation state, which of
the following statements is incorrect? (2009)
(a) The ionic size of Ln (III) decrease in general with increasing atomic number
(b) Ln (III) compounds are generally colourless.
(c) Ln (III) hydroxide are mainly basic in character.
(d) Because of the large size of the Ln (III) ions the bonding in its compounds is predominantly
ionic in character.

7. The outer electron configuration of Gd (At. No. 64) is (2011)

(a) 4f 3 5 d5 6 s 2 (b) 4f 8 d0 6 s 2 (c) 4f 4 5 d4 6 s 2 (d) 4f 5 d 6 s
7 1 2

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8. In context of the lanthanoids, which of the following statements is not correct? (2011)
(a) There is a gradual decrease in the radii of the members with increasing atomic number in
the series.
(b) All the member exhibit +3 oxidation state.
(c) Because of similar properties the separation of lanthanoids is not easy.
(d) Availability of 4f electrons results in the formation of compounds in +4 state for all the
members of the series.

9. The maximum number of possible oxidation states of actinoids are shown by:
[Main April 9, 2019]
(a) Nobelium (No) and lawrencium ( Lr)
(b) Actinium (Ac) and thorium (Th)
(c) Berkelium (Bk) and californium (Cf)
(d) Neptunium ( Np ) and plutonium ( Pu)

10. The correct order of atomic radii is: [Main Jan. 12, 2019]
(a) N > Ce > Eu > Ho (b) Ho > N > Eu > Ce
(c) Ce > Eu > Ho > N (d) Eu > Ce > Ho > N

11. The effect of lanthanoid contraction in the lanthanoid series of elements by and large means:
[Main Jan. 10, 2019]
(a) increase in both atomic and ionic radii
(b) decrease in atomic radii and increase in ionic radii
(c) decrease in both atomic and ionic radii
(d) increase in atomic radii and decrease in ionic radii

12. The lanthanoid that does NOT show +4 oxidation state is: [Main Sep. 06, 2020]
(a) Dy (b) Ce (c) Eu (d) Tb

13. The Eu2+ ion is a strong reducing agent in spite of its ground state electronic configuration
(outermost): [Atomic number of Eu = 63 ] [Main Aug. 31, 2021]
(a) 4𝑓 6𝑠
7 2

(b) 4𝑓 6
(c) 4𝑓 7
(d) 4𝑓 6 6 s 2 series of elements by and large means:

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14. Arrange the following metal complex/compounds in the increasing order of spin only magnetic
moment. Presume all the three, high spin system.

(Atomic numbers Ce = 58. Gd = 64 and Eu = 63.) [Main March 16, 2021]

(A) (NH4 )2 [Ce(NO3 )6 ] (B) Gd(NO3 )3 and (C) Eu(NO3 )3
(a) (A) < (C) < (B) (b) (A) < (B) < (C)
(c) (C) < (A) < (B) (d) (B) < (A) < (C)

15. Ge(𝑍 = 32) in its ground state electronic configuration has x completely filled orbitals with
m1 = 0. The value of x is [Main Aug. 31, 2021]

16. The number of 𝑓 electrons in the ground state electronic configuration of Np(Z = 93) is______.
(Nearest integer) [Main Aug. 27, 2021]

17. The number of 𝑓 electrons in the ground state electronic configuration of electronic
configuration of Gd2+ is_________. [Atomic number of Gd = 64 ] [Main Aug. 26, 2021]

18. Number of electrons present in 4𝑓 orbital of Ho3+ ion is_______.

(Given Atomic No. of Ho = 67 ) [Main July. 25, 2021]

19. Given below are two statements : [Main March 16, 2021]
Statement I: The E value for Ce /Ce is +1.74 V.
∘ 4+ 3+

Statement II: Ce is more stable in Ce4+ state than Ce3+ state.

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options
given below.
(a) Both statement I and statement II are correct
(b) Statement I is correct but statement II is incorrect
(c) Both statement I and statement II are incorrect
(d) Statement I is incorrect but statement II is correct

20. Which of the following pair is not isoelectronic species? [Main July 28, 2022]
(At. no. Sm, 62; Er, 68; Yb, 70; Lu, 71; Eu, 63; Tb, 65; Tm, 69)
(a) Sm2+ and Er 3+ (b) Yb2+ and Lu3+
(c) Eu2+ and Tb4+ (d) Tb2+ and Tm4+

21. The ' 𝑓 ' orbitals are half and completely filled, respectively in lanthanide ions (Given: Atomic
no. Eu, 63; Sm, 62; Tm, 69; Tb, 65; Yb, 70; Dy, 66] [Main June 27, 2022]
(a) Eu and Tm
2+ 2+
(b) Sm and Tm
2+ 3+

(c) Tb and Yb
4+ 2+
(d) Dy 3+ and Yb3+

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NCERT EXAMPLER - F-BLOCK

1. Although Zirconium belongs to 4 d transition series and Hafnium to 5 d transition series even
then they show similar physical and chemical properties because________.
(A) both belong to d-block.
(B) both have same number of electrons.
(C) both have similar atomic radius.
(D) both belong to the same group of the periodic table.

2. Generally transition elements and their salts are coloured due to the presence of unpaired
electrons in metal ions. Which of the following compounds are coloured?
(A) KMnO4 (B) Ce(SO4 )2 (C) TiCl4 (D) Cu2 Cl2

3. Which of the following actinoids show oxidation states upto +7 ?

(A) Am (B) Pu (C) U (D) Np

4. General electronic configuration of actionoids is (n − 2)f 1−14 (n − 1)d0−2 ns2 . Which of the
following actinoids have one electron in 6 d orbital?
(A) U (Atomic no. 92) (B) Np (Atomic no.93)
(C) Pu (Atomic no.94) (D) Am (Atomic no. 95)

5. Which of the following lanthanoids show +2 oxidation state besides the characteristic oxidation
state +3 of lanthanoids?
(A) Ce (B) Eu (C) Yb (D) Ho

6. Although +3 is the characteristic oxidation state for lanthanoids but cerium also shows +4
oxidation state because
(A) it has variable ionisation enthalpy
(B) it has a tendency to attain noble gas configuration
(C) it has a tendency to attain f 0 configuration
(D) it resembles Pb4+

7. Ionisation enthalpies of Ce, Pr and Nd are higher than Th, Pa and U. Why?

8. Although Zr belongs to 4 d and Hf belongs to 5 d transition series but it is quite difficult to

separate them. Why?

9. Although +3 oxidation states is the characteristic oxidation state of lanthanoids but cerium
shows +4 oxidation state also. Why?

10. The second and third rows of transition elements resemble each other much more than they
resemble the first row. Explain why?

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11. Match the compounds/elements given in Column I with uses given in Column II.
Column I (Compound/element) Column II (Use)
(A) Lanthanoid oxide (i) Production of iron alloy
(B) Lanthanoid (ii) Television screen
(C) Misch metal (iii) Petroleum cracking
(D) Magnesium based alloy is (iv) Lanthanoid metal + iron constituent of
(E) Mixed oxides of (v) Bullets lanthanoids are employed
(vi) In X-ray screen

12. Match the statements given in Column I with the oxidation states given in Column II.
Column I Column II
(A) Oxidation state of Mn in MnO2 is (i) +2
(B) Most stable oxidation state of Mn is (ii) +3
(C) Most stable oxidation state of Mn in oxides is (iii) +4
(D) Characteristic oxidation state of lanthanoids is (iv) +5
(v) +7

13. Match the property given in Column I with the element given in Column II.
Column I (Property) Column II (Element)
(A) Lanthanoid which shows +4 oxidation state (i) Pm
(B) Lanthanoid which can show +2 oxidation state (ii) Ce
(C) Radioactive lanthanoid (iii) Lu
(D) Lanthanoid which has 4f electronic
7
(iv) Eu
configuration in +3 oxidation state
(E) Lanthanoid which has 4f 14 electronic (v) Gd
configuration in +3 oxidation state
(vi) Dy

Assertion and Reason Type

Note: In the following questions a statement of assertion followed by a statement of reason is given.
Choose the correct answer out of the following choices.
(A) Both assertion and reason are true, and reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(B) Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(C) Assertion is not true but reason is true.
(D) Both assertion and reason are false.

14. Assertion: Separation of Zr and Hf is difficult.

Reason: Because Zr and Hf lie in the same group of the periodic table.

15. Assertion: Actinoids form relatively less stable complexes as compared to lanthanoids.
Reason: Actinoids can utilise their 5f orbitals along with 6 d orbitals in bonding but
lanthanoids do not use their 4f orbital for bonding.

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16. On the basis of Lanthanoid contraction, explain the following :

(A) Nature of bonding in La2 O3 and Lu2 O3
(B) Trends in the stability of oxo salts of lanthanoids from La to Lu
(C) Stability of the complexes of lanthanoids.
(D) Radii of 4 d and 5 d block elements.
(E) Trends in acidic character of lanthanoid oxides.

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ANSWER KEY
Do your self - 1

Question 𝟏 𝟐 𝟑 𝟒 𝟓

Answer B A A B A

Do your self -2

Question 𝟏 𝟐 𝟑 𝟒 𝟓

Answer C D D B A

EXERCISE-I

Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Ans. B C B C B D D C

EXERCISE-II

Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Ans. D D B C C D A A B

ANSWER
EXERCISE-III (JEE-MAIN)
1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (a) 5. (b) 6. (b)
7. (d) 8. (d)
9. (d) Oxidation state shown by A
Th + 3, +4
Ac + 3
Pu + 3, +4, +5, +6, +7
Np + 3, +4, +5, +6, +7
Bk + 3, +4
Cf + 3
L+3
No + 3
∴ Maximum oxidation state is shown by Np and Pu.

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10. (d) Atomic radii follows the order:

Eu > Ce > Ho > N
185pm 182pm 177pm 71pm
11. Due to lanthanoid contraction, size of atoms as well as ions of lanthanoid decreases.
12. (c) Europium (Eu); Atomic No. - 63 Electronic configuration - [Xe] 4𝑓 7 6𝑠 2 It shows only +2 and
+3 oxidation state,

13. (c) Eu → [Xe]4𝑓 2 6𝑠 2 ; Eu2+ → [Xe]4𝑓 7

14. (a)
(A) (NH4 )2 [Ce(NO3 )6 ]

58 Ce = [Xe]4𝑓 2 5𝑑 0 6𝑠 2 ; Ce4+ = 4𝑓 0 (diamagnetic)

(B) Gd(NO3 )3 ; 64 Gd = [Xe]4𝑓 7 5𝑑1 6𝑠 2

Gd3+ = 4𝑓 7 ; 𝜇 = √7(7 + 2) = √63 B.M.

(C) Eu(NO3 )3 ; 63 Eu = [Xe]4𝑓 7 5𝑑 0 6𝑠 2

Eu3+ = 4𝑓 6 ; 𝜇 = √6(6 + 2) = √48 B.M.

Order of spin only magnetic moment is

(B) > (C) > (A)

15. (b) 16. (a) 17. (d) 18. (a) 19. (c)
20. (c)

Species Sm2+ Er 3+ Yb2+ Lu3+ Eu2+ Tb4+ Tb2+ Tm4+

No. of 60 65 68 68 61 61 63 65
electrons
21. (c)
Eu → [Xe]4𝑓 7 6𝑠 2 Tm → [Xe]4𝑓 13 6𝑠 2
Eu2+ → [Xe]4𝑓 7 Tm2+ → [Xe]4𝑓 13
Sm → [Xe]4𝑓 6 6𝑠 2 Tb → [Xe]4𝑓 −9 6𝑠 2
Sm2+ → [Xe]4𝑓 6 Tb2+ → [Xe]4𝑓 9

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NCERT EXAMPLER – ƒ – BLOCK

1. (C) 2. (A,B) 3. (B,D) 4. (A,B) 5. (B,C) 6. (B,C)

7. Hint: It is because in the beginning, when 5f orbitals begin to be occupied, they will penetrate
less into the inner core of electrons. The 5 f electrons will therefore, be more effectively
shielded from the nuclear charge than 4f electrons of the corresponding lanthanoids. Therefore
outer electrons are less firmly held and they are available for bonding in the actinoids.

8. Hint: Due to lanthanoid contraction, they have almost same size (Zr, 160pm) and (Hf, 159pm).

9. It is because after losing one more electron Ce acquires stable 4f0 electronic configuration.
10. Due to lanthanoid contraction, the atomic radii of the second and third row transition elements
is almost same. So they resemble each other much more as compared to first row elements.

11. (A) → (ii) ; (B) → (i) ; (C) → (iv) ; (D) → (v) ; (e) → (iii)

12. (A) → (iii) ; (B) → (i) ; (C) → (v); (D) → (ii)

13. (A) → (ii) ; (B) → (iv) ; (C) → (i) ; (D) → (v) ; (E) → (iii)

Assertion and Reason Type

14. (B) 15. (C)

16. Hint: (A) As the size decreases covalent character increases. Therefore La2 O3 is more ionic and
Lu2 O3 is more covalent.
(B) As the size decreases from La to Lu, stability of oxosalts also decreases.
(C) Stability of complexes increases as the size of lanthanoids decreases.
(D) Radii of 4 d and 5 d block elements will be almost same.
(E) Acidic character of oxides increases from La to Lu.

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