Fertilisers

Question 1

What is a Fertiliser?

Answer 1

Fertilisers are chemicals that deliver nutrients to plants.

Question 2

What are the three main nutrients needed by plants?

Answer 2

Nitrogen, Phosphorus and potassium, or NPK.

Question 3

What are two characteristics a chemical must have to be an effective fertiliser?

Answer 3

1. The chemical must contain N, P or K
2. it must be soluble (so that the plant can absorb it through its roots)

Question 4

How are synthetic fertilisers produced?

Answer 4

An acid or base containing NPK is often created and neutralised to produce a soluble salt with Potassium (K), ammonium (NH4), Nitrate (NH3) or Phosphate (PO4)

Question 5

What is the Haber Process used for?

Answer 5

To create ammonia on a large scale.

Question 6

What are some characteristics of ammonia?

Answer 6

It’s a pungent, clear and colourless gas. It dissolves in water to produce an alkaline solution.

Question 7

What are the chemicals required for the haber process?

Answer 7

Nitrogen + Hydrogen

Question 8

What is the catalyst added to the Haber Process?

Answer 8

Iron.

Question 9

What is the Ostwald Process used for?

Answer 9

Used to make Nitric Acid on a large scale.

Question 10

What are the chemicals required for the Ostwald Process?

Answer 10

Ammonia + Oxygen (Nitrogen Oxide)
Nitrogen Oxide + Water