Discuss the general characteristics of Group 15 elements with reference to their electronic configuration, oxidation state, atomic size, ionization enthalpy and electronegativity.

The general characteristics of Group 15 elements are:

(i) Electronic configuration: All Group 15 elements have 5 electrons in their valence shell. The general electronic configuration of these elements is ns² np³.

(ii) Oxidation state: Group 15 elements have 5 valence electrons and they require 3 more electrons to complete their octet. However, the gaining of 3 electrons is difficult

(iii) Atomic size: Atomic size increases as we move down the group due to increase in the number of shells.

(iv) Ionisation enthalpy: Ionisation enthalpy decreases as we move down the group because of increase in atomic sizes.

(v) Electronegativity: Electronegativity decreases on moving down the group due to increase in atomic radius.