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.

TM
Answered by Thomas M. Chemistry tutor

4896 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

If we burn 3 moles of carbon in air (as per the equation), what mass (in grams) of carbon dioxide will be produced? What volume will this gas occupy at standard temperature and pressure?


Describe the reasons why the rates of strontium and barium with water is different


Determine Ka of a monohydric acid if the pH=2 and the initial concentration is 0.445 mol/L!


What are the reagents used to oxidise an alcohol to a carboxylic acid.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning