0 votes
38 views
in Chemical reactions by (670 points)
A student wants to maximize the production of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen gases using the Haber process. Using Le Chatelier's principle, how can the reaction conditions be adjusted to increase the yield of ammonia? Specifically, how can changes in temperature, pressure, and concentration of reactants be used to increase the equilibrium concentration of ammonia?

1 Answer

0 votes
by (510 points)
To maximize the production of ammonia  NH3  using the Haber process, we can apply Le Chatelier's principle, which states that if a system at equilibrium is subjected to a change in temperature, pressure, or concentration of reactants, the system will adjust to counteract the change and re-establish equilibrium. The Haber process involves the following reversible reaction:N2 g  + 3H2 g   2NH3 g  + heat1. Temperature: The forward reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat. To increase the yield of ammonia, we should decrease the temperature. According to Le Chatelier's principle, lowering the temperature will shift the equilibrium towards the side that generates heat, which is the forward reaction in this case. However, decreasing the temperature also slows down the reaction rate. Therefore, an optimal temperature must be chosen to balance the reaction rate and yield, which is typically around 400-500C for the Haber process.2. Pressure: The forward reaction results in a decrease in the number of moles of gas  4 moles of reactants to 2 moles of products . To increase the yield of ammonia, we should increase the pressure. According to Le Chatelier's principle, increasing the pressure will shift the equilibrium towards the side with fewer moles of gas, which is the forward reaction in this case. In industrial applications, pressures of around 200-300 atm are used to maximize ammonia production.3. Concentration of reactants: Increasing the concentration of nitrogen  N2  and hydrogen  H2  will shift the equilibrium towards the side with more ammonia  NH3  according to Le Chatelier's principle. This can be achieved by continuously adding fresh reactants to the reaction mixture and removing ammonia as it is produced. This maintains a high concentration of reactants and a low concentration of ammonia, driving the forward reaction and increasing the yield of ammonia.In summary, to increase the equilibrium concentration of ammonia in the Haber process, the reaction conditions should be adjusted as follows: decrease the temperature  optimally around 400-500C , increase the pressure  around 200-300 atm , and maintain high concentrations of nitrogen and hydrogen by continuously adding fresh reactants and removing ammonia as it is produced.

Related questions

Welcome to Sarvan Science Q&A, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of the community.
...