The atomic radii of Zirconium () and Hafnium () are nearly identical. What is the fundamental reason for this?

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Question

The atomic radii of Zirconium ($Zr$) and Hafnium ($Hf$) are nearly identical. What is the fundamental reason for this?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. The filling of 14 inner 4f electrons before Hafnium provides very poor shielding, causing a steady decrease in size (lanthanide contraction) that cancels out the expected size increase from the 4d to 5d series.

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