What are the lanthanide series? How many elements are there in the lanthanide series?

Science and Technology 9:54:00 AM

 Lanthanide Series: Definition and Elements

What is the Lanthanide Series?

The lanthanide series consists of a group of 15 metallic elements in the periodic table, ranging from lanthanum (La, atomic number 57) to lutetium (Lu, atomic number 71). These elements belong to the f-block and are also known as rare earth elements.

How Many Elements Are in the Lanthanide Series?

The lanthanide series contains 15 elements, which are:

  1. Lanthanum (La) - 57
  2. Cerium (Ce) - 58
  3. Praseodymium (Pr) - 59
  4. Neodymium (Nd) - 60
  5. Promethium (Pm) - 61 (radioactive, no stable isotope)
  6. Samarium (Sm) - 62
  7. Europium (Eu) - 63
  8. Gadolinium (Gd) - 64
  9. Terbium (Tb) - 65
  10. Dysprosium (Dy) - 66
  11. Holmium (Ho) - 67
  12. Erbium (Er) - 68
  13. Thulium (Tm) - 69
  14. Ytterbium (Yb) - 70
  15. Lutetium (Lu) - 71

Key Features of Lanthanides:

  • All have a +3 oxidation state as their most common oxidation state.
  • They are soft, silvery-white metals that tarnish easily in air.
  • Their 4f orbitals are progressively filled across the series.
  • They exhibit the lanthanide contraction, leading to decreasing atomic and ionic radii.
  • They are widely used in magnets, phosphors, catalysts, and electronic devices.

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