Unit 3 Fertilisers Flashcards
what does the Haber process make and why is this important?
The Haber process makes ammonia which can be used as a fertiliser
what are the reactants in the Haber process?
nitrogen + hydrogen
where do the reactants come from in the Haber process?
nitrogen from air + hydrogen from natural gas (methane)
the Haber process is (reversible/irreversible) because _________?
the Haber process is reversible because it is an equilibrium
what is the name of the catalyst used in the Haber process?
iron
what are the most commercially efficient conditions for the Haber process?
450 degrees, 200 atmospheres
properties of ammonia
colourless gas, unpleasant smell, soluble in water - creates alkaline solution
how does temperature affect the Haber process?
low temperatures = high yield but too slow
high temp = low yield but commercially efficient
What is the Otswald process used to make and why is it important?
makes nitric acid used as a fertiliser
what are the reactants in the Otswald process?
air and ammonium
what is the catalyst used in the Otswald process?
Platinum
what kind if chemical reaction takes places during the Otswald process and how does it save money?
the oxidation of ammonia is exothermic so the temperature stays high in the catalyst chamber
why is the neutralisation of nitric acid with ammonia different to any other neutralisation reaction?
no water is produced
