Question

Use electron configurations to account for the stability of the lanthanide ions Ce⁴⁺ and Eu²⁺.

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

 The Ce metal has electronic configuration as follows

[Xe] 4f¹5d¹6s²

After losing 4 electrons , it gains noble gas configuration ,. So Ce ⁺⁴ is stable.

Eu  has electronic configuration as follows

[ Xe ] 4 f ⁷6s²

[ Xe ] 4 f ⁷

Its outermost orbit contains 2 electrons so  Eu²⁺ is stable. Its +3 oxidation state is also stable.

Ce⁺²