Which of the following pairs of elements possess nearly identical atomic radii strictly as a consequ — Periodic Table and Periodicity Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The atomic radii of $4d$ and $5d$ transition elements in the same group are nearly identical because the expected size increase down the group is perfectly counterbalanced by the lanthanide contraction (poor shielding of the nucleus by the intervening 14 $4f$ electrons). Thus, $Zr \approx Hf$.