Question

What is the basic difference between the electronic configuration of transition and inner transition elements?

Answer 1

General electronic configuration of:

Transition elements = (n − 1)d^1-10 ns^(1-2)

In transition elements, the last electron enters the d-orbitals of the penultimate shell.

Inner transition elements = `(n − 2) f^((1-14)) (n - 1) d^((0-1)) ns^(0-2)`

In inner transition elements, the last electron enters the f-orbital of the anti-penultimate shell.