Question

What phenomenon is responsible for similarity in sizes and properties Zr and Hf?Explain briefly

Answer 1

Lanthanide contraction is responsible for similar properties and similar size of zirconium and hafnium..
these elements are also known as Queen elements

Answer 2

ANSWER:

The phenomenon responsible for 'similarity in sizes' and 'properties' of Zr and Hf is Lanthanide contraction.

EXPLANATION:

It is the phenomenon of decreasing the ionic radii of the elements in the lanthanide series. It is caused due to the poor screening by the 4f electrons.

The smaller atomic radius is resulted when the '6s electrons' are pulled towards the nucleus, thus results in a 'smaller atomic radius'. These elements like Zr and Hf is also commonly known as queen elements.