According to strict structural definitions, the inner transition block involves the progressive fill — d and f Block Elements Chemistry Question
Question
According to strict structural definitions, the inner transition block involves the progressive filling of the $(n-2)f$ subshell. Exactly how many individual elements constitute the entire Lanthanoid ($4f$) series?
Answer: 14
💡 Solution & Explanation
The Lanthanoid series consists of elements where the $4f$ subshell is progressively filled. Because an $f$ -subshell has exactly $7$ orbitals, and each orbital holds $2$ electrons (Pauli Exclusion Principle), the maximum capacity is $14$ electrons. Thus, there are exactly $14$ elements in the series (from Cerium, $Z=58$, to Lutetium, $Z=71$).
💬Ask on WhatsApp →
Still have doubts about this question?
Send it to our AI chemistry tutor on WhatsApp — gets answered in minutes