General Introduction of Nitrogen Family/ Group 15 Elements
Group 15-elements of the extended form of the periodic table consists of six elements- Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Arsenic (As), Antimony (Sb), Bismuth(Bi) and moscovium* (MC). These six elements constitute a family known as nitrogen Family.
These six elements are collectively known as pnictogens and their compounds as pnictides. Pnictogen is a Greek word meaning suffocation. The first two members are non-metals, the next two are the metalloids and last members are metal, bismuth and ununpentium are metal. Thus, the group 15 is a mixed group consisting of non-metals, metalloids, and metals. Both nitrogen and phosphorus are essential for life on this planet.
Occurrence
The elements of group 15 except phosphorus are not very abundant in nature. However, nitrogen occurs in the free state as a diatomic gas, N₂. It constitutes about 78% (by volume) of the atmosphere.
In a combined state, nitrogen is found as nitrates such as Chile saltpeter (NaNOз), Indian Saltpetre (KNOз) and ammonium compounds. It is an essential constituent of all living things (animals and plants both) where it is found in the form of proteins, amino acids, and nucleic acids.
Nitrogen from atmosphere passes to plants and animals and is converted into useful products and still, its percentage in the atmosphere remains unchanged. This is because of the fact that combined nitrogen is constantly passing back to the atmosphere. The cycle of changes involved constitutes what is termed nitrogen cycle.
Phosphorus is the eleventh most abundant element in the earth's crust. It always found in a combined state. It occurs as phosphates in the rocks and in the soil and as phosphoproteins in all living beings. It is an essential constituent of bones, teeth, blood, nervous tissues. An average person has 3.5 Kg of Calcium phosphate.
Group 15-elements of the extended form of the periodic table consists of six elements- Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Arsenic (As), Antimony (Sb), Bismuth(Bi) and moscovium* (MC). These six elements constitute a family known as nitrogen Family.
These six elements are collectively known as pnictogens and their compounds as pnictides. Pnictogen is a Greek word meaning suffocation. The first two members are non-metals, the next two are the metalloids and last members are metal, bismuth and ununpentium are metal. Thus, the group 15 is a mixed group consisting of non-metals, metalloids, and metals. Both nitrogen and phosphorus are essential for life on this planet.
Occurrence
The elements of group 15 except phosphorus are not very abundant in nature. However, nitrogen occurs in the free state as a diatomic gas, N₂. It constitutes about 78% (by volume) of the atmosphere.
In a combined state, nitrogen is found as nitrates such as Chile saltpeter (NaNOз), Indian Saltpetre (KNOз) and ammonium compounds. It is an essential constituent of all living things (animals and plants both) where it is found in the form of proteins, amino acids, and nucleic acids.
Nitrogen from atmosphere passes to plants and animals and is converted into useful products and still, its percentage in the atmosphere remains unchanged. This is because of the fact that combined nitrogen is constantly passing back to the atmosphere. The cycle of changes involved constitutes what is termed nitrogen cycle.
Phosphorus is the eleventh most abundant element in the earth's crust. It always found in a combined state. It occurs as phosphates in the rocks and in the soil and as phosphoproteins in all living beings. It is an essential constituent of bones, teeth, blood, nervous tissues. An average person has 3.5 Kg of Calcium phosphate.
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