Question:medium

Given below is the industrial process for the manufacture of ammonia gas. Study the schematic diagram to answer the following questions. 
(a) Name the process. 
(b) Which catalyst is used in the above process? 
(c) In the above diagrammatic setup, how is ammonia gas separated from the unreacted gases to obtain liquid ammonia? 
(d) Which two properties of ammonia gas can be demonstrated by the Fountain Experiment? 


 

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In the Fountain Experiment, the vacuum created by the rapid dissolution of ammonia in the first drop of water causes the water to rush up like a fountain. If phenolphthalein is used, the fountain turns pink!
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Solution and Explanation

(a) Name the process:
The process shown in the diagram is the Haber Process, also known as the Haber-Bosch Process, used for the industrial manufacture of ammonia.

(b) Which catalyst is used in the above process?
The catalyst used is finely divided iron.
Promoters such as molybdenum or potassium oxide and alumina are added to increase efficiency.

(c) How is ammonia separated from unreacted gases?
The reaction mixture is cooled under high pressure.
Ammonia condenses into liquid due to its higher boiling point, while nitrogen and hydrogen remain as gases.
These unreacted gases are then recycled back into the system.

(d) Two properties shown by the Fountain Experiment:
1. Ammonia is highly soluble in water.
2. Ammonia is basic (alkaline) in nature and turns red litmus blue.
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