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Question on Haber process equilibrium?

For the equilibrium expression N2 +3H2 ⇄ 2NH3 at constant temperature and pressure how can the equilbrium be shifted to produce more ammonia? And would it be possible for added hydrogen to produce the same effect?

I figured out that it would take a large excess of N2 to shift equilibrium to the left and I read somewhere that added H2 cannot lead to the formation of more ammonia...how is this possible?

I will award best answer for any effort, thanks for the help

3 Answers

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  • 2 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    You can shift the equilibrium toward the product by:

    1. removing ammonia

    2. adding more reactant(s), preferably in the ratio 1 volume of nitrogen for every 3 volumes of hydrogen

    Your reading "somewhere" sounds bogus. If it is a reactant, more of it produces more product as long as there is already enough of the other reactant to react with it.

  • 2 years ago

    At constant pressure and temperature, the equilibrium position would shift to the right by adding the reactant(s) (N₂ and/or H₂) or removing the product (NH₃).

    The equilibrium position would shift to the right by adding an excess of H₂. However, we often add an excess of N₂ instead. This is because the cost of N₂ is much lower than that of H₂. N₂ is made by fraction distillation of liquefied air, while H₂ is made by the catalytic hydration of a fraction of petroleum.

  • 2 years ago

    increase total pressure or increase partial pressure of reactants, continuously remove the product ammonia as soon as it is formed, use lower temperature and a develop a new catalyst that will allow to use lower temperatures. The current catalyst compels to use a temperature of at least 450degC and the pressure adds to capital and operating c costs.

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