Equilibrium

Question 1

The Haber Process

Answer 1

• N2(g) + 3H2(g) ⇌ 2NH3(g)
• Iron is the catalyst
• Nitrogen (from the air) and Hydrogen (from natural gases) are pumped into the system
• A compressor increases the pressure
• The pressurised gases are heated and passed through a reaction chamber (with iron) to create ammonia
• The reaction mixture is cooled to create liquid ammonia which can then be removed
• Any unused hydrogen/nitrogen is recycled.

Question 2

Le Chatelier’s Principle

Answer 2

The equilibrium position of a reaction can be moved by changing the temperature, concentration, pressure
- TEMPERATURE: if exothermic one direction, endothermic the other. Temp increased means the reaction moves in the direction of the endothermic process
- CONCENTRATION: If conc of solute is increased, the reaction moves away from the solute side
- PRESSURE: If pressure increased, reaction moves towards the side with fewer gas molecules