Which of the following best explains why the atomic radius of the lanthanide elements decreases significantly going across the period from lanthanum to lutetium?
W) Shielding decreases leading to a greater effective nuclear charge
X) 5d orbitals start to fill, decreasing shielding
Y) Extra neutrons stabilize the smaller atomic radii
Z) 4f orbitals are diffuse, so effective nuclear charge increases relative to shielding
✔️Answer:Z) 4F ORBITALS ARE DIFFUSE, SO EFFECTIVE NUCLEAR CHARGE INCREASES RELATIVE TO SHIELDING
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