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Larger number of oxidation states are exhibited by the actinoids than those by the lanthanoids, the main reason being

1. 4f orbitals more diffused than the 5f orbitals
2. lesser energy difference between 5f and 6d than between 4f and 5d
3. more energy difference between 5f and 6d than between 4f and 5d
4. more reactive nature of the actinoids than the lanthanoids

Correct answer: lesser energy difference between 5f and 6d than between 4f and 5d

Solution

In actinoids the 5f, 6d and 7s orbitals are close in energy (small 5f-6d gap), so more electrons take part in bonding, giving a larger range of oxidation states than the lanthanoids where the 4f-5d gap is larger.

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