C15 - Using Our Resources

Question 1

What is the haber process?

Answer 1

The industrial production of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen

Question 2

Why is the haber process extremely important?

Answer 2

The ammonia is used to produce nitrogen based fertilisers which grows all food that we eat

Question 3

What type of reaction is the haber process?

Answer 3

Exorhermic reaction

Question 4

How does the Haber Process work?

Answer 4

Take your nitrogen and hydrogen and feed them into the machine
They mix together in the reaction vessel at 450°C
Some nitrogen and hydrogen react to form ammonia
However there will still be lots of hydrogen and nitrogen since its a reversible reaction
To separate the ammonia from the unreacted hydrogen and nitrogen, pass the gaseous mixture into a condenser
Ammomias boiling point is really low so it can be condensed into a liquid and be collected

Question 5

Why does the Haber process need a temperature of 450°C?

Answer 5

The process needs a low temperature for a forward reaction

However the particles need plenty of kinetic energy for rate of reaction

And high temperatures are very expensive

So 450°C is a compromise to satisfy both needs

Question 6

Why does the Haber Process need a pressure of 200atm?

Answer 6

A high pressure pushes the equilibrium to the right and ensures a high rate of reaction

However its very expensive and risky if accidents were to happen

So 200atm is a compromise