Q16 / 150 · MHT CET 2026 (18 April Shift 1) · Chemistry
Which actinoid from following has smallest ionic size in $+3$ state?
- APa
- BCm
- CFm
- Correct answerDLr
Solution
In the actinoid series, as the atomic number increases from Actinium (Ac) to Lawrencium (Lr), there is a gradual decrease in the size of atoms or $M^{3+}$ ions. This phenomenon is known as actinoid contraction, which is due to the poor shielding effect of the $5f$ electrons.
The given elements belong to the actinoid series with the following atomic numbers:
Pa ($Z = 91$)
Cm ($Z = 96$)
Fm ($Z = 100$)
Lr ($Z = 103$)
Since Lawrencium (Lr) has the highest atomic number among the given options, it experiences the maximum actinoid contraction. Therefore, $Lr^{3+}$ has the smallest ionic size.
Answer: Lr
The given elements belong to the actinoid series with the following atomic numbers:
Pa ($Z = 91$)
Cm ($Z = 96$)
Fm ($Z = 100$)
Lr ($Z = 103$)
Since Lawrencium (Lr) has the highest atomic number among the given options, it experiences the maximum actinoid contraction. Therefore, $Lr^{3+}$ has the smallest ionic size.
Answer: Lr
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'D'.