One among the lanthanoides, `Ce(III)`, can be easily oxidized to `Ce(IV)` (At.No. of Ce=58) explain why?

Explanation

The element cerium (Ce) with atomic number (Z=58) has the electronic configuration, `[Xe]4f^(1)5d^(1)6s^(2)`. Ce(III) ion formed by losing three electrons has the configuration `[Xe]4f^(1)`. The ion can lose another electron readily to form Ce(IV) ion with configuration of noble gas xenon (Xe).