Question

Why do actinoids show variable oxidation states?

Answer 1

1. Actinoids have a great variety of different oxidation states because the 5f, 6d, and 7s subshells have small energy differences.
2. Actinoids' electrical configuration is, [Rn] 5f^{1 -14} 6d^{0 - 1}, 7s²
3. The prevalent oxidation state is +3, which results from the loss of three electrons from 6d¹ and 7s², actinoids exhibit higher oxidation states because of additional electron loss from the 5f subshell.
4. The variable oxidation states are + 2 to + 7.