group15

Group 15, also known as the pnictogens, is a group of five chemical elements in the periodic table. These elements are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), and bismuth (Bi). They are all located in the p-block of the periodic table, sharing the valence electron configuration of ns2np3. This means they have five electrons in their outermost shell, with two s-electrons and three p-electrons.

Nitrogen and phosphorus are nonmetals, existing as gases and solids respectively under standard conditions. Arsenic and antimony are metalloids, exhibiting properties of both metals and nonmetals. Bismuth is a metal, though it is considered a post-transition metal due to its properties. The physical and chemical properties of the group's elements vary significantly down the group. For instance, their electronegativity decreases and atomic radius increases from nitrogen to bismuth.

Group 15 elements play crucial roles in various natural and industrial processes. Nitrogen is a major component of Earth's atmosphere and is essential for life as part of proteins and nucleic acids. Phosphorus is vital for biological energy transfer and bone formation. Arsenic and antimony have been historically used in alloys and as poisons, while bismuth is found in pharmaceuticals and alloys. The unique electronic configurations of these elements lead to a diverse range of chemical behaviors and applications.