Chapter EH, Problem 39R

Solution

Interpretation : The elements in the nitrogen group that are metals, nonmetals, or metalloids are to be identified.

Concept Introduction : Group 15 elements all have five valence electrons. The electron configuration of group 15 elements ends in $n{s}^{2}n{p}^3$ .

Nitrogen and phosphorus are non-metals, antimony and argon are metalloids and bismuth is metal among the nitrogen group elements.

Group 15 elements are also called nitrogen group elements.

Among the group 15 elements, both phosphorus and nitrogen are nonmetals. Metalloids include antimony and argon. A metal is bismuth.

The gas nitrogen has no color or smell.

Three solid allotropic forms of phosphorus are known to exist. The forms are colored white, red, and black.

Brittle, grey, and glossy, arsenic is solid. It can change into a drab, yellow solid under some circumstances. As soon as heated, arsenic sublimates.

Antimony is a solid that is lustrous, silvery grey, and extremely fragile.

A solid with a pink hue, bismuth is glossy and grey in color. It is brittle and one of the least conducting metals on the periodic table.