c
Due to lanthanide contration the size for \(Zr\) and \(Hf\) is same. Lanthanide contraction can be explained on the basis of shielding effect.In multi-electron atoms the electrons are added in outer shells. The electrons already present in inner shells, shield the outer electrons from nuclear charge, making them experience a lower effective charge of the nucleus. The shielding effect exerted by the inner electrons decreases in the order \(s\,>\,p\,>\,d\,>\,f\). This \(f\) subshell poorly shields the outer electron from nuclear attraction which results in more attractive pull of nucleus on outer electron and smaller size.In case of post lanthenide elements like \(Hf, 4 f\) subshell is filled and it is not very effective at shielding the outer shell ( \(n =5\) and \(n =6\) ) electrons. it is similar to \(Zr\).