Question

Chemically the actinides show wider range of oxidation staye than lanthanides?

Answer 1

Actinides exhibits larger oxidation states than lanthanides, because of very small energy gap between 5f, 6d and 7s sub shells. Thus, the outermost electrons get easily excited to the higher energy levels, giving variable oxidation states.

Answer 2

Actinides exhibits larger oxidation states than lanthanides, because of very small energy gap between 5f, 6d and 7s sub shells. Thus, the outermost electrons get easily excited to the higher energy levels, giving variable oxidation states.