10.4 The Haber process and the use of NPK fertilizers

• Nitrogen is a key component of chlorophyll, which is crucial for photosynthesis
• Match the nitrogen source with its disadvantage:

  Organic matter ↔️ Limited supply, labor-intensive

  Synthetic fertilizers ↔️ Potential environmental impact

  Atmospheric nitrogen ↔️ Requires energy-intensive process
• What are the three macronutrients provided by NPK fertilizers?

  Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium
• The Haber process uses high temperature, high pressure, and an iron catalyst to maximize ammonia yield


  True
• The balanced chemical equation for the Haber process is N_{2} + 3H_{2} \rightleftharpoons 2NH_{3}</latex>, where nitrogen and hydrogen gases react to form ammonia.
• The reaction in the Haber process reaches an equilibrium state, where the forward and reverse reactions occur at the same rate.
• The iron catalyst in the Haber process speeds up the reaction but does not affect the equilibrium position.
• Synthetic fertilizers release nitrogen rapidly but are non-renewable and can harm the environment if overused.

  True
• Match the nutrient in NPK fertilizers with its purpose:

  Nitrogen ↔️ Leaf and stem growth

  Phosphorus ↔️ Root development and flowering

  Potassium ↔️ Water balance and disease resistance
• The Haber process operates at high temperature (400-500°C) and high pressure
• What is the role of an iron catalyst in the Haber process?

  Speeds up the reaction
• What principle explains the effect of pressure on the Haber process equilibrium?

  Le Chatelier's principle
• The Haber process is essential for producing NPK fertilizers used in agriculture.


  True
• Nutrient runoff from fertilizers can cause eutrophication in water bodies.


  True
• What process is used to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants?

  Haber process
• Synthetic fertilizers release nitrogen slowly compared to organic matter

  False
• Order the steps in the Haber process:

  1️⃣ Nitrogen and hydrogen gases are combined

  2️⃣ The gases are passed over an iron catalyst

  3️⃣ The reaction occurs at high temperature and pressure

  4️⃣ Ammonia is cooled and liquefied
• What is the Haber process used to produce?

  Ammonia
• What type of catalyst is used in the Haber process?

  Iron
• What effect does high pressure have on the equilibrium in the Haber process?

  Shifts to the right
• What is a disadvantage of using organic matter as a nitrogen source for agriculture?

  Limited supply
• What is the primary role of nitrogen in NPK fertilizers?

  Leaf and stem growth
• What gases are used in the Haber process to produce ammonia?

  Nitrogen and hydrogen
• Match the condition with its effect on equilibrium in the Haber process:

  High Temperature ↔️ Shifts equilibrium to the left

  High Pressure ↔️ Shifts equilibrium to the right

  Iron Catalyst ↔️ Speeds up the reaction
• The Haber process reaction is reversible and exothermic
• Who developed the Haber process in the early 20th century?

  Fritz Haber
• What greenhouse gases are released during fertilizer production in the Haber process?

  CO2, N2O, CH4
• The production of fertilizers releases greenhouse gases like CO2 and N2O
• Atmospheric nitrogen is directly usable by plants without conversion

  False
• Nitrogen helps plants produce proteins, DNA, and other important biomolecules
• Nitrogen in NPK fertilizers promotes leaf and stem growth, as well as chlorophyll production
• What affects the position of equilibrium in the Haber process?

  Reaction conditions
• The Haber process operates at high temperature and high pressure to maximize the yield of ammonia.


  True
• High temperature shifts the equilibrium to the left in the Haber process, decreasing ammonia production.


  True
• Nitrogen is essential for chlorophyll production in plants, which is crucial for photosynthesis.

  True
• NPK fertilizers provide three essential macronutrients for plant growth: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
• Order the steps involved in the Haber process:

  1️⃣ Nitrogen and hydrogen gases are combined.

  2️⃣ The gas mixture is heated to 400-500°C.

  3️⃣ High pressure of 200 atm is applied.

  4️⃣ An iron catalyst speeds up the reaction.

  5️⃣ Ammonia is produced and cooled.
• The Haber process reaches an equilibrium state where forward and reverse reactions occur at the same rate.


  True
• The Haber process provides a sustainable source of nitrogen for fertilizers.


  True
• Arrange the steps of the Haber process in the correct order:

  1️⃣ Nitrogen and hydrogen gases are mixed

  2️⃣ The gas mixture is compressed to 200 atm

  3️⃣ The mixture is heated to 400-500°C

  4️⃣ The iron catalyst speeds up the reaction

  5️⃣ Ammonia is produced