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Chapter 22: Problem 36

What is meant by nitrogen fixation? Describe a process for fixation of nitrogen on an industrial scale.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into forms usable by plants, typically ammonia (NH3) or nitrate (NO3). On an industrial scale, this often accomplished through the Haber Process, which synthesizes ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen gases under high pressure and temperature in the presence of an iron catalyst.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Nitrogen Fixation

Nitrogen fixation refers to the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into forms that can be used by plants, typically ammonia (NH3) or nitrate (NO3). It is a vital part of the nitrogen cycle, a process integral to life on Earth since nitrogen is a critical component of amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
02

Overview of Industrial Nitrogen Fixation

Industrial nitrogen fixation is often accomplished through a process known as the Haber Process. This process synthesizes ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen gases.
03

Explanation of the Haber Process

In the Haber Process, nitrogen and hydrogen gases are combined under high pressure (200 atmospheres) and temperature (400-450 degree Celsius) in the presence of an iron catalyst. The reaction is: N2(g) + 3H2(g) ⇌ 2NH3(g). The forward reaction is exothermic, releasing energy and forming ammonia, which can then be used in the manufacture of fertilizers and other industrial chemicals.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Sulfuric acid is a dehydrating agent. Write balanced equations for the reactions between sulfuric acid and the following substances: (a) \(\mathrm{HCOOH}\) (b) \(\mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{PO}_{4}\) (c) \(\mathrm{HNO}_{3}\), (d) \(\mathrm{HClO}_{3}\). (Hint: Sulfuric acid is not decomposed by the dehydrating action.)

Dinitrogen pentoxide is a product of the reaction between \(\mathrm{P}_{4} \mathrm{O}_{10}\) and \(\mathrm{HNO}_{3}\). Write a balanced equation for this reaction. Calculate the theoretical yield of \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{5}\) if \(79.4 \mathrm{~g}\) of \(\mathrm{P}_{4} \mathrm{O}_{10}\) are reacted with an excess of \(\mathrm{HNO}_{3}\). (Hint: One of the products is \(\mathrm{HPO}_{3}\).)

As mentioned in Chapter 3 , ammonium nitrate is the most important nitrogen- containing fertilizer in the world. Given only air and water as starting materials and any equipment and catalyst at your disposal, describe how you would prepare ammonium nitrate. State conditions under which you can increase the yield in each step.

Suggest a physical method that would enable you to separate hydrogen gas from neon gas.

Explain what is meant by coal gasification.
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