Zr and Hf have similar atomic and ionic radii because
A
of diagonal relationship
B
Both are in the same group
C
of Lanthanide contraction
D
They have similar chemical property
Correct Option:
C
Explanation
Zirconium and hafnium have remarkably similar atomic and ionic radii because of lanthanide contraction. The poor shielding effect of the 4f electrons causes atomic sizes across the lanthanide series to decrease more than normally expected, making hafnium nearly the same size as zirconium. This is why the two elements also show very similar chemistry.
