JEE Main 2023 — D And F Block Elements Question with Solution
From: JEE Main 2023 (Online) 12th April Morning Shift
Question
Given below are two statement: one is labelled as Assertion and the other is labelled as Reason
Assertion A: electrons can participate in bonding to a far greater extent than electrons
Reason R: orbitals are not as buried as orbitals
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below
Choose an option
Show full solutionCorrect option: A
Step-by-step explanation
Assertion A: 5f electrons can participate in bonding to a far greater extent than 4f electrons
This is correct. In actinides (elements in which 5f orbitals are being filled), the 5f electrons can participate in bonding. This contrasts with lanthanides (elements in which 4f orbitals are being filled), where the 4f electrons largely do not participate in bonding.
Reason R: 5f orbitals are not as buried as 4f orbitals
This is also correct. The term "buried" refers to the degree to which an orbital is shielded from the outside environment by other electrons. The 5f orbitals are less shielded, or less "buried," than the 4f orbitals. This means they are more exposed to the outside environment and can more readily interact with other atoms to form bonds. This is the reason why 5f electrons can participate in bonding to a greater extent than 4f electrons.
Therefore, both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
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This is a previous-year question from JEE Main 2023, covering the D And F Block Elements chapter of Chemistry. PrepSharp catalogues every PYQ from JEE Main with a verified answer key and step-by-step solution prepared by IIT alumni — so you can search by chapter, topic or year and revise efficiently.