Haber Process

Question 1

What is Haber Process

Answer 1

Industrial production of Ammonia (reversible reaction)

Question 2

Stage 1

Answer 2

We obtain nitrogen from fractional distillation of air

We obtain hydrogen from cracking ethane or natural gas (CH4)

Question 3

Stage 2

Answer 3

Set the conditions in the sealed container

Question 4

What are the conditions required for Haber process

Answer 4

Iron Catlsyst
High temperature of 450 degrees
High pressure of 200 atmosphere

Question 5

Stage 3

Answer 5

Cool the reaction mixture so that the ammonia condenses and can be removed and collected
(This is because ammonia has a high melting and boiling point, so cooling the system to ammonias boiling point will not condense Nitrogen and Hydrogen)

Question 6

Stage 4

Answer 6

The Hydrogen and Nitrogen gases are recycled back into the reaction vessel

Question 7

Equation for Haber process

Answer 7

N2 + 3H2 <> 2NH3

Question 8

Why isn’t pressure higher than 200 atmospheres

Answer 8

If the pressure were any higher than 200atm, it would increase equipment costs significantly

Question 9

Why isn’t Temperature lower than 450 degrees

Answer 9

If the temperature is too low, rate of reaction will become too slow that it would take too long to make ammonia.