Table of contents
Explanation
Ammonia is produced via the Haber cycle. The nitrogen (N2) and hydrogen (H2) Haber cycles provide it in large amounts. During the Haber process, atmospheric nitrogen gas is combined with molecular hydrogen liquid to create ammonia gas.
Defining the Process and Conditions
By reacting with hydrogen (H2), "the atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is converted to ammonia (NH3)" in the Haber process. Here, high temperatures and pressures are maintained while using a metal catalyst.
The following diagram of ammonia gas is mention below:

- Similar to the diagram, the Haber process includes mixing nitrogen gas from the atmosphere with hydrogen atoms from natural gas in a volumetric ratio of 1:3.
- Cooling happens during each of the four catalyst beds that the gasses flow through. To keep the equilibrium constant, this is done.
- While unreacted gases are recycled in each pass, different kinds of conversion take place.
- The process usually involves an iron catalyst and is carried out by holding the temperature between 400 and 450 degrees Celsius and the pressure between 150 and 200 atmospheric pressure.
Read more =Explain the manufacture of nitric acid by Ostwald’s process with well labeled diagram ?
Reaction rate and equilibrium
The reaction between nitrogen and hydrogen is the basis of the Haber process, which is used to generate ammonia. Below is the chemical reaction. It is noteworthy that the process results in an exothermic reaction, meaning that energy has been released.
2NH3(g) → N2(g) + 3H2(g)
The liquefying is used to get nitrogen from the air for the reaction, while steam reforming is used to extract hydrogen from natural gas.
H2(g) + CO(g) → CH4(g) + H2O
The Le Chatteleir principle argues that low temperature and high pressure promote ammonia synthesis. The Haber process generally occurs at 500 °C with pressures ranging from 200 to 400 atmospheres. NH3 is continuously eliminated throughout the commercial manufacturing of ammonia.
Reversion is a feature of the response. However, differences in temperature, pressure, and catalyst employed mostly affect the equilibrium mixture's composition, the reaction's rate, and the process' general economics.
Uses of ammonia gas
One product that is created and is necessary in many places is ammonia. Among the uses for ammonia are mention below:
- Applications in agricultural activity: Although ammonia is a key ingredient in fertilizers, its production is important.
- Explosives: Nitro-based explosives, such as TNT, RDX, and others, are made from the ammonia that is produced.
- Pharma: It is used in the production of several medications, including sulfonamide, antimalarials, and vitamins, including nicotinamide and thiamine.
- Refrigeration: Large-scale refrigeration resources, building cooling systems, etc., also use it.
- Consumer Products: Ammonia works well as a cleaning agent and is found in many different kinds of cleaning products.
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