Discuss the general characteristics of Group 15 elements with reference to their electronic configuration, oxidation state, atomic size, ionisation enthalpy and electronegativity.
In group 15 of the Periodic Table, the elements, nitrogen (7N), phosphorus (15P), arsenic (33As), antimony (51Sb) and bismuth (83Bi) are present. The elements of this group can exhibit various oxidation states ranging between -3 to + 5. Negative oxidation state will be exhibited when they combine with less electronegative element andpositive oxidation state will be exhibited with more electronegative element. Positive oxidation state becomes more favourable as we more down the group due to increasing metallic character & electropositivity. Although due to inert pair effect the stability of +5 state will also decrease. The only stable compound of Bi (V) is BiF5.
The atomic (covalent) and ionic radii (in a particular oxidation state) of the elements of nitrogen family (group 15) are smaller than the corresponding elements of carbon family (group 14). On moving down the group, the covalent and ionic radii (in a particular oxidation state) increase with increase in atomic number. There is a considerable increase in covalent radius from N to P. However, from As to Bi, only a small increase is observed.
As the size increases on moving down the group, the ionisation enthalpy increases. The ionisation enthalpy of nitrogen group elements is more than the corresponding elements of oxygen group. This is because of more stable half filled outermost p- subshell of nitrogen group elements. Electronegativity decreases down the group with increase in atomic size.
Write balanced equations for the following:
(i) NaCl is heated witlrsulphuric acid in the presence of MnO2
(ii) Chlorine gas is passed into a solution of Nal in water.
Comment on the nature of two S-O bonds formed in S02 molecule. Are the two S-O bonds in this molecule equal ?
How is nitrogen prepared in the laboratory? Write the chemical equations of the reactions . involved.
Justify the placement of O, S, Se, Te and Po in the same group’of the periodic table in terms of electronic configuration, oxidation state and hydride formation.
PCl5 reacts with finely divided silver on heating and a white silver salt is obtained, which dissolves on adding excess aqueous NH3 solution. Write the reactions involved to explain what happens.
Assertion (A): SF6 cannot be hydrolysed but SF4 can be.
Reason (R): Six F atoms in SF6 prevent the attack of H2O on sulphur atom of SF6.
What happens when sulp'hur dioxide is passed through an aqueous solution of Fe(III) salt?
Write balanced equations for the following:
(i) NaCl is heated witlrsulphuric acid in the presence of MnO2
(ii) Chlorine gas is passed into a solution of Nal in water.
Arrange the following in the order of property indicated for each set: –
(i) F2 , Cl2 , Br2 , I2 – increasing bond dissociation enthalpy.
(ii) HF, HCI, HBr, HI – increasing acid . strength.
(iii) NH3, PH3, AsH3, SbH3, BiH3 – increasing Sol. base strength.
Give the formula and describe the structure of a noble gas species which is isostructural with: (i) ICI4– (ii) IBr2– (iii) Br03–
In a cyclotrimeta phosphoric acid molecule, how many single and double bonds are present? .
(a) 3 double bonds; 9 single bonds
(b) 6 double bonds; 6 single bonds
(c) 3 double bonds; 12 single bonds
(d) Zero double bonds; 12 single bonds
On heating ammonium dichromate and barium azide separately we get
(a) N2 in both cases
(b) N2 with ammonium dichromate and NO with barium azide
(c) N2O with ammonium dichromate and N2 with barium azide
(d) N2O with ammonium dichromate and N2O with barium azide
In the preparation of H2S06 by contact process, why is S03 not absorbed directly in water to form H2S04?
Assertion (A): HNO3 makes from passive.
Reason (R): HNO3 forms a protective layer of ferric nitrate on the surface of iron.
Assertion (A): HI cannot be prepared by the reaction of KI with concentrated H2SO4.
Reason (R): HI has lowest H – X bond strength among halogen acids.
Why does nitrogen show catenation properties less than phosphorus ? (C.B.S.E. Foreign 2009)
What are the oxidation states of phosphorus in the following: –
(i) H3PO3 (ii)PCl3
(iii) Ca3P2(iv)Na3PO4
(v) POF3
Arrange the following in the order of property indicated for each set: –
(i) F2 , Cl2 , Br2 , I2 – increasing bond dissociation enthalpy.
(ii) HF, HCI, HBr, HI – increasing acid . strength.
(iii) NH3, PH3, AsH3, SbH3, BiH3 – increasing Sol. base strength.
The HNH angle value is higher than HPH, H AsH and HSbH angles. Why?
(Hint: Can be explained on the basis of sp3 hybridisation in NH3 and only s-p bonding , between hydrogen and other elements of the group).
Bond dissociation enthalpy of E – H (E = element) bonds is given below. Which of the compounds will act as strongest reducing agent?

On heating with concentrated NaOH solution in an inert atmosphere of CO2, white phosphorus gives a gas. Which of the following statement is incorrect about the gas?
(a) It is highly poisonous and has smell like rotten fish.
(b) Its solution in water decomposes in the presence of light.
(c) It is more basic than NH3
(d) It is less basic than NH3