The haber process

• What is the Haber Process?

  An industrial method for synthesizing ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen gases.
• What is the balanced equation for the Haber Process?

  N₂(g) + H₂(g) ⇌ NH₃(g)
• Is the Haber Process reaction reversible?

  Yes, it is a reversible reaction.
• Is the forward reaction in the Haber Process exothermic or endothermic?

  Exothermic.
• What are the raw materials for the Haber Process?

  Nitrogen from air and hydrogen from natural gas (methane).
• How is nitrogen obtained for the Haber Process?

  From the air, which is about 78% nitrogen.
• How is hydrogen obtained for the Haber Process?

  By steam reforming of natural gas (methane).
• What temperature is used in the Haber Process?

  Approximately 450 °C.
• What pressure is used in the Haber Process?

  Around 200 atmospheres.
• What catalyst is used in the Haber Process?

  Iron.
• Why is a compromise temperature used in the Haber Process?

  To balance between a good yield and a reasonable reaction rate.
• Why is a compromise pressure used in the Haber Process?

  To increase yield without excessive energy or safety costs.
• Why are unreacted gases recycled in the Haber Process?

  To increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• How can you test for ammonia gas?

  It has a pungent smell, turns damp red litmus paper blue, and forms white smoke with hydrogen chloride.
• What are the main uses of ammonia?

  To make fertilizers, explosives, and cleaning agents.
• What does Le Chatelier's Principle state about pressure in the Haber Process?

  Increasing pressure favors the formation of ammonia.
• What does Le Chatelier's Principle state about temperature in the Haber Process?

  Decreasing temperature favors ammonia production.
• Why isn’t a low temperature used despite favoring ammonia production?

  Because the reaction would be too slow at low temperatures.
• Why isn’t a very high pressure used despite increasing yield?

  Because it is costly and poses safety risks.