Chapter 11, Problem 117A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The ways of development of the Haber process for the production of ammonia from the combination of nitrogen and hydrogen gas to get maximum yield needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: The chemical reaction leads to the formation of products from the given reactant molecules. The yield of a chemical reaction depends on the reaction conditions and concentrations of reactant molecules.

Answer to Problem 117A

• High temperature
• High pressure
• Presence of catalyst and more reactant
• Continuous removal of product

Explanation of Solution

Given information:

Haber process can be modified with change in the reaction conditions.

Haber process chemical reaction is:

  ${\text{N}}_{\text{2(g)}}{\text{ + 3 H}}_{\text{2(g)}}\stackrel{}{\to }{\text{2 NH}}_{\text{3(g) }}$

It is an exothermic reaction (heat is released during the reaction) and the reactant molecules are in a gaseous state.

Since both gaseous reactants are added in the reaction system, therefore, catalyst and high pressure are required to initiate the chemical reaction. For an exothermic reaction, the ideal condition is low temperature for maximum yield. So to initiate the reaction, 700°C is required which remains controlled once the reaction will start.

The continuous removal of product molecules will lead to a forward reaction for maximum yield. Thus, reaction conditions for maximum yield are:

• High temperature
• High pressure
• Presence of catalyst and more reactant
• Continuous removal of product

Conclusion

• High temperature
• High pressure
• Presence of catalyst and more reactant
• Continuous removal of product