Beginner Topic 646 of 1102 Inorganic Chemistry
Nitrogen Family
Group 15 elements show varied oxidation states from -3 to +5.
In-depth explanation of Nitrogen Family
Group 15 comprises nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony and bismuth, each with five valence electrons in the ns2 np3 configuration. Nitrogen forms an extremely strong triple bond, with a bond energy of about 945 kJ/mol, so N2 is very unreactive at normal temperatures. Down the group the elements become more metallic, and the +5 state becomes less stable relative to +3 because of the inert pair effect. Oxidation states range from -3 in ammonia to +5 in nitric acid. Nitrogen and phosphorus are essential for life, forming parts of proteins, nucleic acids and ATP.
Going deeper: Nitrogen Family
Key ideas: Group 15 ns2 np3: N, P, As, Sb, Bi. Nonmetallic character falls down the group: N and P nonmetals, As and Sb metalloids, Bi metal. N2 has a very strong triple bond (945 kJ per mol), so it is inert at room temperature. P forms five bonds using d orbitals (PCl5), while N cannot. Basic strength of hydrides falls: NH3 greater than PH3 greater than AsH3. Bond angle falls from 107 to 93 degrees.
Common mistakes and connections: Students expect nitrogen to form NCl5 or N2 to be reactive because N is electronegative; strong triple bond makes it inert. Oxoacid trend: H3PO4 is not oxidizing while HNO3 is. Bi favors +3 due to the inert pair effect. Links to ammonia, nitric acid, fertilizers and VSEPR.
Visualization of Nitrogen Family
Electronegativity falls from N (3.0) down to P (2.2) in Group 15, matching the change from nonmetallic nitrogen toward metallic bismuth. The interactive lesson shows this as a live animation or chart.
Worked example and use case
In ammonia, NH3, nitrogen is -3, while in nitric acid, HNO3, it is +5.
Frequently asked questions about Nitrogen Family
What is Nitrogen Family?
Group 15 elements show varied oxidation states from -3 to +5.
Is Nitrogen Family a beginner, intermediate or advanced topic?
Nitrogen Family is a beginner topic in Inorganic Chemistry. It needs no earlier chemistry lessons and is a good starting point.
What should I learn before Nitrogen Family?
Study these earlier topics in Inorganic Chemistry first: Glass, Carbon Oxides, Carbides.
What comes after Nitrogen Family?
The next topics in Inorganic Chemistry are Ammonia and Oxides of Nitrogen.
Can I practise Nitrogen Family with quizzes?
Yes. The interactive lesson includes a self-check question on Nitrogen Family, and the Inorganic Chemistry quiz draws on every topic in this area.
Where Nitrogen Family fits in Inorganic Chemistry
Nitrogen Family is topic 31 of 113 in Inorganic Chemistry.