Here’s a explanation:
Lanthanides (4f elements)
- Most common oxidation state: +3
- Sometimes +2 or +4 for a few elements
- Example:
- Ce → +3, +4
- Eu → +2, +3
Actinides (5f elements)
- Can have +3 and +4 commonly
- Some can go up to +6 or +7
- Example:
- Uranium (U) → +3, +4, +5, +6
- Thorium (Th) → +4
Summary:
- Lanthanides → mostly +3
- Actinides → +3, +4, sometimes +5, +6, +7