Zr ( Z = 40 ) and Hf ( Z = 72 ) have similar atomic and ionic radii because of:

Zr(Z=40) and Hf(Z=72) have similar atomic and ionic radii because of:
  1. belonging to same group
  2. diagonal relationship
  3. lanthanoid contraction
  4. having similar chemical properties

Solution

Zr40 and Hf72 have similar atomic and ionic radii because of Lanthanoid Contraction. The 4f orbital offers very poor screening. So, the radius (atomic as well as Ionic) of Zr and Hf are almost the same.

Asked in: NEET 2021

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