Why is the Haber Process run at 450 °C instead of room temperature?

the forward reaction of the harbour process is exothermic, it gives out heat. so increasing temperature  will shift the equilibrium and decrease the yeild, however increasing the temperature also increases the rate of reaction.

All chemical processes have to compromise between  high rate and high yeild to give the most economical conditions. in this case the high rate turns out to be more economical so a high temerature is used. 

TF
Answered by Tom F. Chemistry tutor

13161 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why does copper make a good metal to use in electrical wiring?


Describe and explain how increasing concentration of a reactant changes the rate of reaction.


Why is chlorine more reactive than iodine?


Describe the difference between ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding.


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