Ammonia

Question 1

What are the starting materials in the industrial preparation of ammonia?

Answer 1

Hydrogen and Nitrogen

Question 2

How can Hydrogen be obtained?

Answer 2

From steam reforming of methane

Question 3

How can Nitrogen be obtained?

Answer 3

By fractional distillation of air or by burning Hydrogen in the air (that removes oxygen), leaving Nitrogen [2H2(g) + O2(g) + N2(g) → 2H2O(l) + N2(g)]

Question 4

What is the chemical equation for the Haber Process?

Answer 4

N2 (g)+ 3H2(g) → 2NH3(g)

Question 5

What happens to the hydrogen and nitrogen to form ammonia?

Answer 5

They are heated to 450°C subjected to high pressure and passed over an iron catalyst to form ammonia.The high temperature gives reactant particles more energy so that the reaction takes place. The high pressure causes the reaction to go more to the right side, resulting in ammonia being formed.

Question 6

What happens to the ammonia produced?

Answer 6

The ammonia produced is condensed and stored as either liquid ammonia or ammonium hydroxide solution.