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Ch.20 - Electrochemistry
Brown - Chemistry: The Central Science 14th Edition
Brown14th EditionChemistry: The Central ScienceISBN: 9780134414232Non è quello che usi tu?Cambia libro di testo
Capitolo 20, Problema 111

The Haber process is the principal industrial route for converting nitrogen into ammonia: N2(g) + 3 H2(g) → 2 NH3(g). (c) Calculate the standard emf of the Haber process at room temperature.

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Identify the half-reactions involved in the Haber process. The reduction half-reaction is: \( \text{N}_2(g) + 6 \text{e}^- + 6 \text{H}^+ \rightarrow 2 \text{NH}_3(g) \). The oxidation half-reaction is: \( 3 \text{H}_2(g) \rightarrow 6 \text{H}^+ + 6 \text{e}^- \).
Determine the standard reduction potentials for each half-reaction. You can find these values in a standard reduction potential table. Note that the reduction potential for \( \text{N}_2 \) to \( \text{NH}_3 \) is typically negative, indicating it is not spontaneous under standard conditions.
Calculate the standard cell potential (emf) using the formula: \( E^\circ_{\text{cell}} = E^\circ_{\text{cathode}} - E^\circ_{\text{anode}} \). Substitute the standard reduction potentials for the cathode (reduction of \( \text{N}_2 \)) and anode (oxidation of \( \text{H}_2 \)).
Consider the sign of the calculated emf. If the emf is negative, the reaction is non-spontaneous under standard conditions, which is typical for the Haber process.
Reflect on the implications of the calculated emf for industrial applications. The Haber process requires specific conditions such as high pressure and temperature to proceed efficiently, overcoming the non-spontaneous nature indicated by the standard emf.

Concetti chiave

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Haber Process

The Haber process is a chemical reaction that synthesizes ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen gases. It is represented by the equation N2(g) + 3 H2(g) → 2 NH3(g). This process is crucial for producing fertilizers and has significant implications for agriculture and food production.
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Born Haber Cycle

Standard Electromotive Force (emf)

Standard electromotive force (emf) is the measure of the voltage generated by a chemical reaction under standard conditions (1 M concentration, 1 atm pressure, and 25°C). It indicates the tendency of a chemical reaction to occur spontaneously, with positive values suggesting a favorable reaction.
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Standard Reduction Potentials

Nernst Equation

The Nernst equation relates the standard emf of a reaction to its concentrations at non-standard conditions. It is expressed as E = E° - (RT/nF) ln(Q), where E° is the standard emf, R is the gas constant, T is the temperature in Kelvin, n is the number of moles of electrons transferred, F is Faraday's constant, and Q is the reaction quotient. This equation is essential for calculating the emf of the Haber process at room temperature.
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The Nernst Equation