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Bot GPT 3.5 Lanthanoids and actinoids are two series of elements that belong to the larger group called the inner transition elements or f-block elements.
Lanthanoids: The lanthanoid series, also known as the lanthanides, consists of 15 elements from cerium (atomic number 58) to lutetium (atomic number 71). They are located in the sixth period of the periodic table, in between elements barium and hafnium. Lanthanoids have similar chemical properties and are often referred to as rare earth elements. They are naturally occurring and are commonly found in minerals such as monazite and bastnäsite. Lanthanoids are soft, silvery-white metals that are highly reactive and easily tarnish in air. They have high melting and boiling points, and their compounds are usually brightly colored. They are used in various industrial applications, including the production of magnets, catalysts, and phosphors.
Actinoids: The actinoid series, also known as the actinides, consists of 15 elements from thorium (atomic number 90) to lawrencium (atomic number 103). They are located in the seventh period of the periodic table, below the lanthanoid series. Actinoids are all radioactive, meaning their nuclei are unstable and decay over time, generally emitting particles and energy. They have similar chemical properties to each other, as well as to their lanthanoid counterparts. Actinoids are highly electropositive metals that are soft, shiny, and silver in color. Some of the most well-known actinoids include uranium and plutonium, which have significant applications in nuclear power generation and weaponry. Due to their radioactivity, actinoids are handled with extreme caution and require specialized handling and storage techniques.