Regarding the hydrides of group 15 elements EH3 (E = N, P, As, Sb), select the correct statement from the following
Q. Regarding the hydrides of group 15 elements EH3 (E = N, P, As, Sb), select the correct statement from the following:

A. The stability of hydrides decreases down the group.
B. The basicity of hydrides decreases down the group.
C. The reducing character increases down the group.
D. The boiling point increases down the group.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A) A, B & C only

(B) A, B, C & D

(C) A & D only

(D) B & C only

Correct Answer: (A)

Explanation

Group 15 hydrides are NH3, PH3, AsH3 and SbH3.

Statement A is correct because the E–H bond strength decreases down the group due to increase in atomic size, making hydrides less stable.

Statement B is correct because basicity depends on the availability of the lone pair. Down the group, the lone pair becomes less available due to increase in size and decrease in electronegativity, so basicity decreases.

Statement C is correct because reducing character depends on ease of oxidation. As the E–H bond weakens down the group, the tendency to donate hydrogen increases, hence reducing character increases.

Statement D is incorrect because NH3 has an anomalously high boiling point due to hydrogen bonding. After NH3, the boiling point increases from PH3 to SbH3, but overall it does not increase smoothly down the group.

Hence, statements A, B and C are correct.

Related JEE Main Questions

The wave numbers of three spectral lines of H atom are considered. Identify the set of spectral lines belonging to Balmer series.
Consider a weak base ‘B’ of pKb = 5.699. ‘x’ mL of 0.02 M HCl and ‘y’ mL of 0.02 M weak base ‘B’ are mixed to make 100 mL of a buffer of pH 9 at 25°C. The values of ‘x’ and ‘y’ respectively are :
An organic compound undergoes first order decomposition. The time taken for decomposition to (1/8)th and (1/10)th of its initial concentration are t1/8 and t1/10 respectively. What is the value of (t1/8 / t1/10) × 10 ?
Given below are two statements: Statement I: The number of pairs, from the following, in which both the ions are coloured in aqueous solution is 3. Statement II: Th4+ is the strongest reducing agent among Th4+, Ce4+, Gd3+ and Eu2+.
At T(K), 2 moles of liquid A and 3 moles of liquid B are mixed. The vapour pressure of ideal solution formed is 320 mm Hg. At this stage, one mole of A and one mole of B are added to the solution. The vapour pressure is now measured as 328.6 mm Hg. The vapour pressure (in mm Hg) of A and B are respectively:
JEE Main Chapter-wise Previous Year Questions

Updated for JEE Main 2026: This PYQ is important for JEE Mains, JEE Advanced and other competitive exams. Practice more questions from this chapter.

Scroll to Top