General Characteristics of the Group 5A Elements

Some properties of the group 5A elements are listed in T TABLE 22.7. The general pattern is similar to what we saw with other groups Size and metallic character increase as atomic number increases in the group. 

The Variation in properties among group 5A elements is more striking than that seen in groups 6A and 7A. Nitrogen at the one extreme exists as a gaseous diatomic molecule, clearly nonmetallic. At the other extreme, bismuth is a reddish white, metallic-looking substance that has most of the characteristics of a metal. 

The values listed for X— X single-bond enthalpies are not reliable because it is difficult to obtain such data from thermochemical experiments. However, there is no doubt 

A FIGURE 22.27 White and rad phosphorus. Despite the fact that both contain nothing but phosphorus atoms, these two forms of phosphorus differ greatiy in reactivity. The white aiiotrope, which reacts vioientiy with oxygen, must be stored under water so that it is not exposed to air. The much iess reactive red form does not need to be stored this way. 

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