| What are the steps of the Haber Process? | 1. Nitrogen + Hydrogen gas are passed over an Iron catalyst
2. High temperatures (450 degrees) and high pressure (200 atmospheres) are used during step one.
3. Nitrogen and Hydrogen react to produce Ammonia.
4. Haber process is reversible and can reform nitrogen and hydrogen from the ammonia product.
5. As ammonia is formed, it is cooled and condenses first (as it has a higher boiling point than reactants). Ammonia is then removed. |
| Explain the first step of the Haber Process. | Nitrogen and hydrogen gas are fed into the reactor vessel. These gases are obtained from the air and natural gas sources. |
| Explain the second step of the Haber Process. | Both nitrogen and hydrogen gases are compressed to increase their pressure. During this, high temperature are also utilised. This is done to facilitate their reaction and increase the yield of ammonia. |
| Explain the third step of the Haber Process. | The compressed gases are then passed over an iron-based catalyst, typically containing iron oxide with small amounts of potassium hydroxide (KOH) or other promoters. The catalyst helps speed up the reaction without being consumed itself. |
| Explain the fourth step of the Haber Process. | Under high pressure and elevated temperature (around 450-550°C), the nitrogen and hydrogen gases react on the catalyst surface.
The reversible nature of this reaction means that not all the nitrogen and hydrogen are converted into ammonia; instead, an equilibrium mixture of the three gases is obtained. |
