The standard reduction potentials (E$^{\circ}$ ) of the lanthanides for M$^{+3}$ (aq) + 3e$^{-} \overset{\Delta} \rightarrow$ M (s) all fall between –2.52 V (La) and –2.25 V (Lu). This helps explain which of the following properties of Lanthanides?

Question

(1) Lanthanides are good reducing agents (2) Lanthanide contraction (3) Electropositivity of Lanthanide series decreases from La to Lu (4) Lanthanides react rapidly with hot water and slowly with cold water (5) Lanthanides are soft, malleable and ductile