Nitrogen Family

The nitrogen family is element group 15 of the periodic table. Nitrogen family elements share a similar electron configuration pattern and follow predictable trends in their chemical properties.

The nitrogen family consists of five elements, which start with nitrogen on the periodic table and move down the group or column: nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, bismuth, and moscovium.

• Nitrogen family elements consists of atoms having 5 electrons in their outer energy level. 

• As you move down the nitrogen family: atomic radius increases, ionic radius increases, ionization energy decreases, and electronegativity decreases.

• Nitrogen family elements often form covalent compounds, usually with the oxidation numbers +3 or +5.

• Nitrogen and phosphorus are nonmetals. Arsenic and antimony are metalloids. Bismuth is a metal.

• Except for nitrogen, the elements are solid at room temperature.

• Element density increases moving down the family.

• Nitrogen family elements display a wide range of physical and chemical properties. Their compounds may be transparent, either diamagnetic or paramagnetic at room temperature, and may conduct electricity when heated. Because the atoms form double or triple bonds, the compounds tend to be stable and potentially toxic.

USES

• Two of the elements, nitrogen and phosphorus, are essential for life.

• Most of the Earth's atmosphere consists of nitrogen gas, N2. Diatomic pnictogen molecules like this may be called pnictides. Because of their valence, pnictide atoms are connected by a covalent triple bond.

• Phosphorus is used in matches, fireworks, and fertilizer. It's also used to make phosphoric acid.

• Arsenic is toxic. It has been used as a poison and as a rodenticide.

• Antimony finds use in alloys.

• Bismuth is used in medications, paint, and as a catalyst.