Haber process

What is the Haber Process?

A method used to manufacture ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen

What is the symbol equation?

N2 + 3H2 ⇌ 2NH3

Is the Haber Process reversible?

Yes

What does reversible mean?

Products can react to form reactants again

Is the reaction exothermic or endothermic?

Exothermic (releases heat)

What are the raw materials?

Nitrogen (air) and hydrogen (natural gas/methane)

What conditions are used?

~450°C, ~200 atmospheres, iron catalyst

Why is low temperature better for yield?

Because the reaction is exothermic, so equilibrium shifts right

Why is low temperature not used?

The reaction would be too slow

Why is high temperature used?

To increase the rate of reaction

Why does high pressure increase yield?

Fewer gas molecules on the product side (2 vs 4), so equilibrium shifts right

Why is very high pressure not used?

Too expensive and dangerous

What does the iron catalyst do?

Speeds up the reaction without being used up

Why are the conditions a compromise?

To balance yield, rate, cost, and safety

What happens to ammonia after it forms?

It is cooled and condensed into a liquid

What happens to unreacted gases?

They are recycled back into the system

Why is recycling important?

Increases yield and reduces waste

What is ammonia used for?

Making fertilisers

Why are fertilisers important?

They increase crop yield for food production

What is the economic issue?

Energy costs vs profit from ammonia

What is an environmental issue?

Uses fossil fuels and fertilisers can cause pollution