General electronic configuration of lanthanides is

Options

A. `(n - 2) f^(1-14) (n - 1) s^(2)p^(6) d^(0-1) ns^(2)`
B. `(n - 2) f^(10-14) (n - 1) d^(0-1) ns^(2)`
C. `(n - 2) f^(0-14) (n - 1) d^(10) ns^(2)`
D. `(n - 2) d^(0-1) (n - 1) f^(0-14) ns^(1)`

Answer

A

Explanation

It might be expected that the 14 elements form Ce to Lu would be formed be formed by adding 1, 2, 3, ….. 14 electrons into the 4f level. However, it is energetically favourable to move the single 5d electron into the 4f level in most of the elements, but not in the cases of Ce, Gd and Lu. Thus, the general valence shell electronic configuration is: (n - 2) `f^(0-14)` (n - 1) `d^(0-1) n^(2)` .