Question

Define the following terms and give an example of each: transition metals, lanthanides, actinides.

Short answer

Transition metals are elements with an incomplete d-subshell (e.g., Iron). Lanthanides are the elements from atomic numbers 57-71 (e.g., Lanthanum). Actinides are the elements from atomic numbers 89-103 (e.g., Uranium).

Step-by-step solution

Define Transition Metals

Transition metals are elements whose atoms have an incomplete d-subshell or which can give rise to cations with an incomplete d-subshell. They are found in groups 3-12 of the Periodic Table.

Give an example of a Transition Metal

An example of a transition metal is Iron (Fe).

Define Lanthanides

Lanthanides, also known as the Lanthanoid series, are the fifteen metallic chemical elements with atomic numbers 57 through 71, from Lanthanum through Lutetium.

Give an example of a Lanthanide

An example of a lanthanide is Lanthanum (La).

Define Actinides

Actinides are the fifteen metallic chemical elements with atomic numbers from 89 to 103, actinium through lawrencium.

Give an example of an Actinide

An example of an actinide is Uranium (U).