The Haber process is the industrial production of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen
The reaction is done at a temperature of 450 degrees Celsius and a pressure of 200atmospheres alongside an iron catalyst
The Haber process is crucial as it produces ammonia used to make nitrogen based fertilizers, essential for food production
Nitrogen, making up 78% of the air, is easily acquired, while hydrogen is obtained from hydrocarbons like methane
The Haber process is exothermic and reversible, meaning some of the formed ammonia can break back down into nitrogen and hydrogen
In the Haber process, hydrogen and nitrogen are fed into a reaction vessel at 450 degrees Celsius and 200 atmospheres, reacting over an iron catalyst to form ammonia
To separate the formed ammonia from the unreacted nitrogen and hydrogen, the mixture is cooled in a condenser where ammonia condenses into liquid form
The temperature of 450 degrees Celsius is a compromise to favor a higher rate of reaction while maintaining a reasonable percentageyield in the Haber process
A pressure of 200 atmospheres is chosen in the Haber process to push the equilibrium towards the formation of ammonia, balancing cost and safety considerations