Insturmental Chemical Analysis: What is the difference between the absorption spectra of inner transition elements (the lanthanide and actinide series) to transition metals? What molecular process is responsible for the absorption of UV/Vis radiation for these elements/ compounds? Which ones are more sensitive to environmental perturbations and why? Solution The difference between Transition Metals and Inner Transition Metals Molecular process responsible for the absorption of UV/Vis radiation for these elements/ compounds Inner transition metals are more sensitive to environmental perturbation because their transition band gaps are low. Formed bonds by inner transition metals with other elements also happen weaker in comparison to transition metals..