Video Transcript
In which group of the periodic table can nitrogen be located? (A) Group 14, (B) group 12, (C) group 16, (D) group 15, or (E) group 17.
The periodic table is an arrangement of the 118 known elements in a very specific order. The seven horizontal rows are called periods, and each of the 18 vertical columns is known as a group or family. In each of these groups, we often find elements that have similar characteristics. For example, atoms of elements found in group 18, also called the noble gases, have full valence shells and are generally inert or unreactive.
To answer the question, we need to identify which group of the periodic table the element nitrogen is found in. Nitrogen has the chemical symbol N. If we locate this symbol on the periodic table, we will find it in group 15 along with the elements phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, bismuth, and moscovium. This group of elements is sometimes referred to as the nitrogen family or the pnictogens. So we now know that nitrogen can be located in group 15 of the periodic table, answer choice (D).
