Chapter 5: Problem 15

Which elements make up the \(f\) -block in the periodic table?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The \(f\)-block elements are the lanthanides (Ce to Lu) and actinides (Th to Lr).

Step by step solution

Identify the \(f\)-block

The \(f\)-block elements are located in the bottom two rows of the periodic table, separated from the main table. These are often referred to as the lanthanides and actinides.

Define Lanthanides

The lanthanides include the 14 elements from Cerium (Ce) with atomic number 58 to Lutetium (Lu) with atomic number 71. These elements fill the 4\(f\) orbitals.

Define Actinides

The actinides include the 14 elements from Thorium (Th) with atomic number 90 to Lawrencium (Lr) with atomic number 103. These elements fill the 5\(f\) orbitals.

Summarize the Elements

Combining the lanthanides and actinides, the \(f\)-block elements range from atomic numbers 58 to 71 and 90 to 103.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Lanthanides

Lanthanides are a group of 14 elements in the periodic table. They range from Cerium (Ce) with an atomic number of 58 to Lutetium (Lu) with an atomic number of 71.
These elements fill the 4f orbitals in a stepwise manner. Lanthanides are often known as rare earth elements.
They have similar properties, such as the tendency to form +3 ions.

Common uses of lanthanides include the creation of strong magnets, phosphors for color TV screens and LED lights, and catalysts in various industrial processes.
They are also used in making glasses and ceramics with special optical properties.

Actinides

Actinides are another group of 14 elements found in the periodic table. They span from Thorium (Th) with an atomic number of 90 to Lawrencium (Lr) with an atomic number of 103.
These elements gradually fill the 5f orbitals. Actinides include some of the well-known elements like Uranium (U) and Plutonium (Pu), which are key in nuclear energy and weaponry.

Many actinides are radioactive and have significant roles in nuclear science and technology.
They have a variety of applications, such as in nuclear reactors and radiography.

Periodic Table

The periodic table is a key tool in chemistry. It organizes elements in rows and columns based on their properties.
The f-block elements are in two rows at the bottom and are separated to keep the table more compact. These rows include lanthanides and actinides. The position of these elements in the table is due to the electron configurations of the elements and how these configurations relate to chemical properties.
Learning to read the periodic table helps in understanding the properties of elements and their compounds, as well as predicting chemical reactions and behaviors.

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Which elements make up the \(f\) -block in the periodic table?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Identify the \(f\)-block

Define Lanthanides

Define Actinides

Summarize the Elements

Key Concepts

Lanthanides

Actinides

Periodic Table

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