What family does antimony belong to?

Antimony belongs to the family of elements called pnictogens. Its chemical symbol "Sb" is derived from the Latin word "stibium." Antimony is placed in group 15 or p-block and period 5 of the periodic table.

The atomic number of antimony is 51, and its atomic weight is 121.760 atomic mass units. Its electron configuration is [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p3 or 2, 8, 18, 18, 5 electrons per shell.

Pure antimony is quite soft; and, it reacts with oxygen when it is heated. At room temperature, antimony is a shiny gray solid, which melts at 1167.13 degrees Fahrenheit. Antimony is found naturally in the form of a sulphide compound, called stibnite.