Question
Question: List the conditions that are required to maximize the yield of ammonia....
List the conditions that are required to maximize the yield of ammonia.
Solution
Ammonia is a water-soluble, colorless gas. Nitrogen and hydrogen are the major raw materials in formation of ammonia. Ammonia is a highly stable gas and decomposes into its constituents when electric sparks are passed through it.
Complete answer:
The process for the formation of ammonia in the industry is Haber’s process.
In this method nitrogen and hydrogen directly combine to form ammonia, the reaction is exothermic and reversible.
N2+3H2⇌2NH3 ΔH = - 22.4kcal
In accordance with Le- Chatelier’s principle the yield of ammonia can be increased by the following optimum conditions:
A. High pressure: For a good yield of ammonia pressure of about atmospheres is needed.
B. Low temperature: Temperature to be maintained is.
C. Catalyst: The work of a catalyst is to lower the activation energy and decrease the time taken to reach equilibrium. To speed up the production of ammonia we need: Finely divided iron with molybdenum as promoter. Instead of this, we can also use finely divided nickel and soda-lime deposited over pumice stone.
Note:
Ammonia is a Lewis base i.e. it accepts a proton to form an ammonium ion.
Ammonia has many uses like As fertilizer in fields, cleansing agent for removing grease, liquid ammonia is also used as a refrigerant.