Question

In the Haber process for the industrial manufacturing of ammonia involving the reaction,

N2(g) + 3H2(g) 2NH3(g) at 200 atm pressure in the presence of a catalyst, a temperature of about 500⁰C is used. This is considered as optimum temperature for the process because

• A. Yield is maximum at this temperature
• B. Catalyst is active only at this temperature
• C. Energy needed for the reaction is easily obtained at this temperature
• D. Rate of the catalytic reaction is fast enough while the yield is also appreciable for this exothermic reaction at this temperature.

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Rate of the catalytic reaction is fast enough while the yield is also appreciable for this exothermic reaction at this temperature.

Answer 2

On increasing temperature though reaction equilibrium shifts in the backward direction but for rate of reaction to be higher, higher temperature is required and particle 500⁰C is found to be optimum temperautre.