JEE Main 2026 — p Block Elements (Group 15, 16, 17 & 18) Question with Solution
JEE Main 2026 (28 January Shift 1)
Question
Regarding the hydrides of group 15 elements , 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. 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:
Choose an option
Show full solutionCorrect option: D
Correct answer
DA, B & C only
Step-by-step explanation
For group 15 hydrides (N, P, As, Sb):
Statement A is correct—stability decreases down the group as H-E bond strength decreases.
Statement B is correct—basicity decreases as the central atom becomes less electronegative, making it less willing to share electron pairs.
Statement C is correct—reducing character increases down the group as the hydrides become easier to oxidize.
Statement D is incorrect—boiling points do not consistently increase; NH₃ is anomalously high (-33°C) due to strong hydrogen bonding, but PH₃ (-87°C) is lower, and the trend is irregular.
Therefore, A, B & C only are correct.
Statement A is correct—stability decreases down the group as H-E bond strength decreases.
Statement B is correct—basicity decreases as the central atom becomes less electronegative, making it less willing to share electron pairs.
Statement C is correct—reducing character increases down the group as the hydrides become easier to oxidize.
Statement D is incorrect—boiling points do not consistently increase; NH₃ is anomalously high (-33°C) due to strong hydrogen bonding, but PH₃ (-87°C) is lower, and the trend is irregular.
Therefore, A, B & C only are correct.
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This is a previous-year question from JEE Main 2026, covering the p Block Elements (Group 15, 16, 17 & 18) chapter of Chemistry. PrepSharp catalogues every PYQ from JEE Main with a verified answer key and step-by-step solution prepared by IIT alumni — so you can search by chapter, topic or year and revise efficiently.