Haber process Flashcards
Where do you extract nitrogen from?
Air
Where do you extract hydrogen from?
Natural gas
How is ammonia made?
By the Haber process.
Nitrogen + hydrogen = ammonia
Show forward and backward reaction equation for Haber process
N2 (G) + 3H2 ——->2NH3(G)
2NH3(G) —–>N2(G) +3H2(G)
The reaction for left to right is called….
Forward reaction
The reaction from right to left is called….
Backward reaction
If a reaction happened in a closed container, what may it happen?
It might reach equilibrium
What happens to the rates of reaction at equilibrium?
Rate of backward reaction=rate of forward reaction
What does it mean if the rates are the same?
The concentrations of all the substances involved stay constant
What is dynamic equation?
Both reactions are still happening
If concentration of substances are greater on the right than the the left, how do we describe equilibrium position?
Position of equilibrium is to the right
If gases and pressure is increased, what is the position of the equilibrium?
Moves in direction of the fewest gas molecules
What happens to position of equilibrium if temperature is increased?
Moves in direction of the endothermic change
What will the backward reaction be if the forward reaction is exothermic?
Endothermic
What is a catalyst and what role does a catalyst play in the Haber process?
A substance that speeds up rate of reaction without being used up. It increases rate of forward + backward reaction by same amount. So a catalyst does not change position of equilibrium but reduce time needed to reach it
Why are catalysts important in industrial chemical processes?
It reduces costs as less time is taken to reach equilibrium which means an acceptable yield is produced in an acceptable time
What are the conditions needed for the Haber process?
Iron catalyst
High pressure (about 200 x atmospheric pressure)
Temp of about 450 degrees c
Why do we use 450 degrees c temp?
Its a compromise temp. It is low enough to get an acceptable yield of ammonia but high enough to get it in acceptable time
Why does the Haber process require a high pressure?
There are 4 mols of gas on left side but only 2 on right. If pressure is increased, position of equilibrium moves to right, increasing yield of ammonia
Why do we not use pressures over 200 atmospheres?
Very high pressures would need stronger and more expensive equipment
