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Ch.22 - The Main Group Elements
McMurry - Chemistry 8th Edition
McMurry8th EditionChemistryISBN: 9781292336145Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMcMurry 8th EditionCh.22 - The Main Group ElementsProblem 22.19f
Chapter 22, Problem 22.19f

Locate each of the following elements on the periodic table.
(f) Group 5A element that forms the strongest p bonds

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the elements in Group 5A (also known as Group 15) of the periodic table. These elements include nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), and bismuth (Bi).
Understand that p bonds (pi bonds) are a type of covalent bond that results from the side-to-side overlap of p orbitals. Strong p bonds are typically formed by elements with smaller atomic radii and higher electronegativity.
Consider the electronegativity and atomic size of the Group 5A elements. Nitrogen, being the smallest and most electronegative element in this group, is likely to form the strongest p bonds.
Recall that nitrogen commonly forms multiple bonds, such as the triple bond in N₂, which includes one sigma bond and two pi bonds, demonstrating its ability to form strong p bonds.
Conclude that among the Group 5A elements, nitrogen is the element that forms the strongest p bonds due to its small size and high electronegativity.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Periodic Table

The periodic table is a systematic arrangement of elements based on their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. Elements are organized into rows (periods) and columns (groups), with similar properties found in the same group. Understanding the layout of the periodic table is essential for identifying elements and predicting their behavior in chemical reactions.
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Periodic Table Classifications

Group 5A Elements

Group 5A, also known as Group 15, includes elements such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), and bismuth (Bi). These elements have five valence electrons and exhibit a range of oxidation states. They are known for their ability to form various types of bonds, including p bonds, which are crucial for understanding their chemical reactivity and bonding characteristics.
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Group 6A vs. Group 5A Elements

P Bonds

P bonds, or pi bonds, are a type of covalent bond that occurs when two lobes of an orbital on one atom overlap with two lobes of an orbital on another atom, typically involving p orbitals. These bonds are generally formed in addition to sigma bonds and are essential in the formation of double and triple bonds. The strength and stability of p bonds influence the chemical properties of molecules, particularly in organic and coordination chemistry.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

In the following pictures of oxides, red spheres represent O atoms or ions, and green spheres represent atoms or ions of a second- or third-row element in its highest oxidation state.

(1)

(2)

(3)

(b) Identify each oxide as ionic or covalent.

Textbook Question

Complete and balance the equation for each of the following reactions.

d. C2H6(g)+H2O(g)→catalystheatC_2H_6\left(g\right)+H_2O\left(g\right)\overset{heat}{\underset{catalyst}\rightarrow}

Textbook Question

Consider the elements C, Se, B, Sn, and Cl. Identify which of these elements:

e. Forms a hydride with the empirical formula 

Textbook Question

Look at the location of elements A, B, C, and D in the following periodic table:

(e) Which of these oxides has the highest melting point? Which has the lowest melting point?

Textbook Question

The following pictures represent structures of the hydrides of four second-row elements:

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(c) Which compounds yield H2 gas when they are mixed together?

Textbook Question

Look at the location of elements A, B, C, and D in the following periodic table:


(a) Write the formula of the oxide that has each of these elements in its highest oxidation state.