The Haber Process

• What is the Harbour process used for?

  It is the industrial production of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen.
• Why is the Harbour process considered important?

  Because ammonia produced is used to make nitrogen-based fertilizers.
• At what temperature is the Harbour process conducted?

  450 degrees Celsius.
• What pressure is used in the Harbour process?

  200 atmospheres.
• What role does the iron catalyst play in the Harbour process?

  It facilitates the reaction between nitrogen and hydrogen to form ammonia.
• Why is nitrogen easy to acquire for the Harbour process?

  Because 78% of the air is nitrogen.
• How is hydrogen obtained for the Harbour process?

  It is made from hydrocarbons like methane.
• What type of reaction is the Harbour process?

  It is an exothermic and reversible reaction.
• What happens to the ammonia formed in the Harbour process?

  It is separated from unreacted nitrogen and hydrogen.
• How is ammonia separated from nitrogen and hydrogen?

  By cooling the mixture in a condenser to condense ammonia into liquid.
• Why does the Harbour process use a temperature of 450 degrees Celsius?

  It is a compromise to balance yield and reaction rate.
• What is the effect of temperature on the percentage yield in the Harbour process?

  A lower temperature favors the forward reaction and increases yield.
• What is the effect of temperature on the rate of reaction in the Harbour process?

  A higher temperature increases the rate of reaction.
• Why is a high pressure used in the Harbour process?

  To push the equilibrium to the right and increase yield.
• What are the practical considerations limiting the pressure in the Harbour process?


  Cost and safety of maintaining high pressure.
• How does high pressure affect the rate of reaction in the Harbour process?

  It increases the frequency of particle collisions.
• What is the best pressure used in the Harbour process?

  200 atmospheres.
• What are the key conditions for the Harbour process and their purposes?

  • Temperature: 450 degrees Celsius
  • Compromise between yield and reaction rate
  • Pressure: 200 atmospheres
  • Increases yield and reaction rate
  • Iron catalyst
  • Facilitates the reaction
• What happens to unreacted nitrogen and hydrogen in the Harbour process?

  • They are recycled back into the reactant mixture
  • Ensures efficient use of reactants
• What are the characteristics of the Harbour process reaction?

  • Exothermic reaction
  • Reversible reaction
  • Produces heat
• What are the implications of the Harbour process on food production?

  • Produces ammonia for nitrogen-based fertilizers
  • Supports large-scale food production
  • Essential for feeding the global population