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.
Assertion (A): Both rhombic and monoclinic sulphur exist as S8 but oxygen exists as OÏ€.
Reason (R): Oxygen forms pπ-pπ multiple bond due to small size and small bond length but pπ-pπ bonding is not possible in sulphur.
In the preparation of H2S06 by contact process, why is S03 not absorbed directly in water to form H2S04?
Why is nitric oxide paramagnetic in gaseous state but the solid obtained on cooling is diamagnetic?
Name three oxoacids of nitrogen. Write the disproportionation reaction of that oxoacid of nitrogen in which nitrogen is in +3 oxidation state.
Assertion (A): NaCl reacts with concentrated H2SO4 to give colourless fumes with pungent smell. But on adding MnO2 the fumes become greenish yellow.
Reason (R): MnO2 oxidises HCl to chlorine gas which is greenish yellow.
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.
Why is BiH3 the strongest reducing agent amongst all the hydrides of Group 15 elements?
Which of the following is correct for P4 molecule of white phosphorus?
(a) It has 6 lone pairs of electrons (b) It has six P – P single bonds
(c) It has three P – P single bonds (d) It has four lone pairs of electrons,
Which of the following statements are true?
(a) Only type of interactions between particles of noble gases are due to weak dispersion forces.
(b) Ionisation enthalpy of.molecular oxygen is very close to that of xenon.
(c) Hydrolysis of XeF6 is a redox reaction.
(d) Xenon fluorides are not reactive.
Write a balanced chemical equation, for the reaction showing catalytic oxidation of NH3 by atmospheric oxygen.
Phosphorus has three allotropic fonns —(i) white phosphorus (ii) red phosphorus and (iii) black phosphorus. Write the difference between white and red phosphorus on the basis of their structure and reactivity.
Match the formulas of oxides given in Column I with the type of oxide given in Column II and mark the correct option.

Why is BiH3 the strongest reducing agent amongst all the hydrides of group 15 elements? (C.B.S.E. 2013)
Comment on the nature of two S-O bonds formed in S02 molecule. Are the two S-O bonds in this molecule equal ?
Considering the parameters such as bond dissociation enthalpy, electron gain enthalpy and hydration enthalpy, compare the oxidising powers of F2 and Cl2.
Knowing the electron gain enthalpy values of O—>O– and O—>O2- as -141 and 702 kJ mol-1 respectively, how can you account for the formation of a large number of oxides having O2- species and not O–?
Give the formula and describe the structure of a noble gas species which is isostructural with: (i) ICI4– (ii) IBr2– (iii) Br03–
Comment on the nature of two S-O bonds formed in S02 molecule. Are the two S-O bonds in this molecule equal ?
Explain why inspite of nearly the same electronegativity, nitrogen forms hydrogen bonding while chlorine does not.
What are the oxidation states of phosphorus in the following: –
(i) H3PO3 (ii)PCl3
(iii) Ca3P2(iv)Na3PO4
(v) POF3