D & F Block Elements
D-block and F-block elements are two categories of transition metals found in the periodic table, and they differ in their electron configurations, properties, and where they are located on the periodic table.
Some common differences are listed in the following table:
| Property | D-Block Elements | F-Block Elements |
|---|---|---|
| Location in the Periodic Table | Found in groups 3 to 12 | Found in two rows at the bottom of the periodic table (lanthanides and actinides). |
| Valence Electrons | The outermost (valence) electrons are primarily responsible for their chemical properties | The outermost (valence) electrons are primarily responsible for their chemical properties |
| Size | Generally smaller in size compared to F-block elements | Generally larger in size due to the presence of additional electron shells |
| Magnetic Properties | Exhibit magnetic properties, with some exceptions | Exhibit strong magnetic properties due to unpaired electrons in 4f and 5f orbitals |
| Filling of Electron Shells | Filling of electron shells follows Hund’s rule and Aufbau principle | Filling of electron shells is complex and follows the Aufbau principle with Lanthanide contraction effect |
| Applications | Used in various everyday items, including transition metals like iron, copper, and zinc | Some actinides have applications in nuclear reactors and the nuclear industry |
| Atomic Numbers | Atomic numbers range from 21 (Scandium) to 30 (Zinc) and beyond | Atomic numbers range from 57 (Lanthanum) to 71 (Lutetium) for lanthanides and 89 (Actinium) to 103 (Lawrencium) for actinides |
F Block Elements
F-Block Elements in Chemistry, also known as Inner Transition Elements, comprise a group of elements located in the two rows at the bottom of the periodic table. Elements with filled f orbitals are found within this section. The f-block is positioned in the sixth and seventh periods of the periodic table, with the sixth period referred to as the lanthanide series and the seventh as the actinide series.
In this article, we will discuss the topic of F-Block Elements, including their properties, position in the periodic table, electronic configurations, as well as their real-world applications.
Table of Content
- What are F Block Elements?
- Electronic Configuration of F Block Elements
- Classification of F Block Elements
- Properties of F Block Elements
- Characteristics of Lanthanides
- Characteristics of Actinides
- Applications of F Block Elements