Why is the Harber process performed at higher temperatures rather than low?

The forward reaction in the Harber process is exothermic. Following Le Chatelier's principle, the reaction would therefore be favoured by using lower temperatures, increasing the yield of ammonia at equilibrium. However, decreasing the temperature would lower the rate of reaction, slowing the production of ammonia. Therefore a higher compromise temperature is used to make the production of ammonia feasible; low enough to obtain a good yield of ammonia but high enough to maintain a reasonable rate of reaction.

Answered by Thomas M. Chemistry tutor

3770 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How can crude oil be used as a source of hydrocarbons?


Explain why the ionisation energies tend to increase across a period


In the presence of carbon monoxide, less oxygen is transported to the blood. Suggest why, in terms of bond strength and stability constants.


How do you work out the oxidation number of a atom in a compound?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences