The reaction for the Haber process is shown below. N2(g) + 3H2(g) ⇌ 2NH3(g) What will be the effect of increasing the pressure on the amount of ammonia present at equilibrium? [1 mark]

Increase.
This question is looking at a reversible reaction - the reaction can occur both forwards and backwards.
Firstly to answer this question you need to appreciate that in a closed reaction the equilibrium (the balance of the rate of forward/backward reaction) will shift to favour the side which opposes a change to the environment. So if you increase the external pressure --> the equilibrium will shift to favour the reaction that decreases the pressure. So what decreases the pressure? A lesser number of moles being produced, as more moles = more pressure in a given volume. Now you need to look at which reaction produces the least amount of moles. You do this by counting up the number of moles on each side:
N2+ 3H2 = 1 + 3 =42NH3= 2
As you can see the forward reaction produces the least number of moles (4 --> 2 ) and also produces ammonia. Therefore more ammonia would be produced if the pressure was increased.

RV
Answered by Rebecca V. Chemistry tutor

9960 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How is crude oil separated into fractions?


Why do metals have high melting points?


NaOH has a high melting point and conducts electricity in solution. H2O has a low melting point and does not conduct electricity. Explain, using the structure of each, why this is the case.


Ethane-1,2-diol can be dissolved in water to act as an anti-freeze in car radiators. Explain why ethane-1,2-diol is very soluble in water. (2)


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning