Why is Group 15 called Pnictogens?

Hint: Group 15 in the periodic table represents the nitrogen family. The nitrogen family is known to have very poisonous effects on human beings.

Complete Step by Step Solution:
The word pnictogen is derived from a Greek word that means to ‘choke’ or ‘stifle’ and this name is given to the elements present in the Group 15 of the periodic table. Group 15 is known as the nitrogen family and is known to have poisonous effects in the absence of oxygen. Because of these effects, group 15 is known as pnictogens. Group 15 contains elements namely nitrogen, arsenic, bismuth, phosphorus, and antimony with the electronic configuration of \[n{s^2}n{p^3}\] in their outermost shell.

The nitrogen family is located in the p block of the periodic table. These pnictogens have the periodic trends such as follows:
1) The electronegativity will decrease as we move down into the group.
2) Ionisation energy will also decrease down the group.
3) Atomic radii will also increase down the group.
4) Electronic affinity or the ability of an atom which helps it to accept an electron will decrease as we go down the group 15.
5) Both melting point and boiling point will tend to increase as we go down the group.
6) The metallic characteristics of an element will also increase down the group 15.

Note: Nitrogen is a very important element in the chemical industry. It has a wide variety of uses such as in the manufacturing of fertilisers, nylon, dyes, and in the manufacturing of explosives. All of the above-mentioned products are created by reacting nitrogen with hydrogen in order to produce ammonia.