Actinides and lanthanides are two groups of elements with unfilled f orbitals, often referred to as inner transition metals. They have some similarities, but there are key differences between them:
Lanthanides:
- Act as metals with reactivity similar to group 2 elements.
- Consist of elements with atomic numbers 58 to 71.
- Lanthanides have high melting and boiling points and react with water to produce hydrogen gas.
- They are used in optical devices, night vision goggles, petroleum refining, and alloys.
Actinides:
- Consist of elements from atomic numbers 89 to 103, with the exception of thorium and uranium, all are radioactive.
- Have dense masses and are mainly used in applications where their radioactivity can be harnessed for energy generation.
- Actinides show greater tendency to form complexes compared to lanthanides.
- They are employed in nuclear weapons, power plants, and are radioactive.
In summary, lanthanides are all metals with reactivity similar to group 2 elements and are used in various applications, while actinides are radioactive elements primarily used in applications that harness their radioactivity for energy generation.
Comparative Table: Actinides vs Lanthanides
Below is a table comparing the differences between actinides and lanthanides:
Property | Lanthanides | Actinides |
---|---|---|
Position in the periodic table | Two rows below the main body of the periodic table | Two rows below the lanthanides in the periodic table |
Atomic numbers | 58 to 71 | 89 to 103 |
Radioactivity | One lanthanide, Promethium, is radioactive | All actinides are radioactive |
Electron configuration | electrons are added to the 4f sublevel | electrons are added to the 5f sublevel |
Common names | Also known as rare earth elements | Sometimes referred to as inner transition elements |
Applications | Lanthanides are used in various applications, such as electronics, magnets, and lasers | Actinides are primarily used in nuclear chemistry and energy production |
Both lanthanides and actinides are considered inner transition elements, as they have partially filled f subshells and are placed in separate rows below the main body of the periodic table. They play significant roles in various applications, including electronics, magnets, lasers, and nuclear energy production.
Read more
- Actinides vs Lanthanides
- Lanthanide Contraction vs Actinide Contraction
- Transition Metals vs Metals
- Alkali Metals vs Alkaline Earth Metals
- Thorium vs Uranium
- Transition Metals vs Inner Transition Metals
- Lithium vs Other Alkali Metals
- Transition Metals vs Metalloids
- Cobalt vs Lithium
- Transuranic Elements vs Radioisotopes
- Lead vs Tungsten
- Uranium vs Plutonium
- Niobium vs Titanium
- Lithium vs Strontium Salts
- Yttrium vs Ytterbium
- Titanium vs Tungsten
- Isotopes vs Elements
- Molybdenum vs Tungsten
- Polonium vs Plutonium
- Hafnium vs Zirconium