Describe and explain the effect of iron on: 1. the rate of production of ammonia and 2. the amount of ammonia?

Question

Describe and explain the effect of iron on: 1. the rate of production of ammonia and 2. the amount of ammonia?

Answer 1

in manufacture of ammonia by haber's process iron acts as a catalyst

at low temperature although the yeild of ammonia is more but the reaction is very slow. in order to speed up the reaction iron is used.

the rate of production of ammonia increases and the the amount of ammonis increases by using a catalyst like iron

Answer 2

The reaction between nitrogen and hydrogen to give ammonia is an equilibrium, which lies more towards the reactants at high temperatures, and the products at low temperatures.

The iron catalyst speeds up the reaction, so that you can run it at a lower temperature and get a decent yield.

Something for you to think about: why does this statement not contradict the rule which you have probably learned, that a catalyst does not affect the position of equilibrium of a chemical reaction?

Look up "Haber process" for more information, including the fascinating history of this reaction.

Answer 3

The Iron is used as a Catalyst which 1...enhances the reaction and 2...increases the yield of NH3.

The Iron is porous (large surface area contact) produced from 'Magnetite' (Fe3O4).

The reaction takes place at around 500°C and 250atm.

The reaction is....

N2(g) + 3H2(g) (+  Heat, Pressure and Catalyst) ==> 2NH3(g).