10.4.2

The Haber Process - Equation & Trade-Offs

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Trade-Offs in the Haber Process

The reaction that produces ammonia in the Haber process is reversible. Because of this, changing the conditions affects the position of equilibrium.

Illustrative background for What temperature is used in the Haber process?Illustrative background for What temperature is used in the Haber process? ?? "content

What temperature is used in the Haber process?

  • The forward reaction is exothermic. This means that an increase in temperature moves the position of equilibrium towards the reactants.
  • So, there is a trade-off between increasing the rate of reaction by increasing the temperature and reducing the yield (because of the high temperature).
    • As we have already seen, the end compromise is that a temperature of 450°C is used.
Illustrative background for What pressure is used in the Haber process?Illustrative background for What pressure is used in the Haber process? ?? "content

What pressure is used in the Haber process?

  • There are fewer molecules of product than reactant. This means that an increase in pressure moves the position of equilibrium towards the products.
  • Increasing the pressure also increases the rate of reaction, but high pressures are expensive and can be hazardous. 200 atmospheres represents a happy medium between rate of ammonia production versus safety and cost.

Jump to other topics

1Atomic Structure

2Chemical Bonding

3Quantitative Chemistry

4Chemical Changes

5Energy Changes

6The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

7Organic Chemistry

8Chemical Analysis

9Chemistry of the Atmosphere

10Using Resources

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