1. NH3 Chronicles
What are the starting materials used to make ammonia
hydrogen, nitrogen and a catalyst
Name one catalyst in the Haber process
Nickel/Nickel oxide
why is ammonia used as a cleaning agent?
It breaks down grease, oils, and stains due to its alkaline nature
What is Eutrophication
It is the process by which excess quantities of fertilizers pollute rivers and lakes causing an overgrowth of algae and bacteria leading to the death of aquatic organisms.
Why does ammonia require purification during production?
To remove harmful impurities like sulfur oxides & hydrogen sulfide
What is syngas?
A mix of carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas
What reaction recovers extra hydrogen in the Haber process?
Water shift reaction
How does ammonia help in wastewater treatment?
Neutralizes acidic waste & removes impurities.
What effect does ammonia have on plants?
Causes damage to leaves leaves and stems because of alkalinity
What is the enthalpy change in the Haber process
ΔH = -92 kJ/mol
What is ammonia commonly used in agriculture and how is it used?
it is used as a fertilizer to provide nitrogen to plants
Why does ammonia production contribute to greenhouse emissions
It requires a large amount of natural gas, leading to significant CO2 emissions.
Why is ammonia used in the manufacture of explosives?
It is a key ingredient in nitric acid to make explosives like TNT and ammonium nitrate.
Why is ammonia used in the food and beverage industry
It provides a nitrogen source for yeast and helps adjust pH during fermentation
Why is iron commonly used as a catalyst in the Haber process?
Iron speeds up the reaction by lowering the activation energy, allowing ammonia to form more quickly without shifting equilibrium.
Why is ammonia highly soluble in water?
It forms hydrogen bonds with water molecules creating ammonium hydroxide
What is the Le Chatelier's principle?
If a dynamic equilibrium is disturbed by changing the conditions, the position of equilibrium shifts to counteract the change to reestablish an equilibrium.
what is an issue with catalysts used in ammonia production
They need to be replaced every 2-6 years, if not not properly recycled it would lead to issues
What kind of gases in the atmosphere combine with ammonia that contribute to smog?
Sulpher oxides and nitrogen
Why is the Haber process typically carried out at around 450°C instead of a lower temperature?
Although lower temperatures increase ammonia yield, they slow the reaction significantly, so 450°C is a compromise between rate and yield.
How does soil acidification affect plant growth?
Reduces availability of essential nutrients, leading to weaker plants and low crop yield
What is the equation that shows that 10% yeild of ammonia is produced?
N2(g) + 3H2(g) ⇌ 2NH3(g)
Outline the how does ammonia contribute to soil acidification
When ammonia is deposited in the oil, it turns into ammonium (NH4+). Bacteria then convert ammonium into nitrate (NO3-) through nitrification, releasing hydrogen ions (H+) in the process. This makes the soil more acidic
Name three human activities that contribute to ammonia-related soil acidification and explain how they cause it.
1. Use of ammonium-based fertilizers – When ammonium fertilizers break down in the soil, bacteria convert them into nitrates, releasing hydrogen ions (H⁺), which increase soil acidity.
2. Livestock farming – Animal waste releases ammonia into the environment, which undergoes nitrification, forming acidic compounds that lower soil pH.
3. Industrial pollution – Factories and power plants release nitrogen compounds into the air, eventually depositing them into the soil, contributing to acidification.
Why do high-pressure and low-temperature favor ammonia production in the Haber process?
High pressure favors ammonia formation because, according to Le Chatelier's Principle, the system shifts toward the side with fewer gas molecules (2 moles of NH₃ vs. 4 moles of reactants), increasing ammonia yield.
Lower temperature favors ammonia production because the reaction is exothermic, meaning lower temperatures shift equilibrium toward the product (NH₃), maximizing its yield.