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Reversible reactionsWhat you need to know |
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Reversible reactionsSome chemical reactions can go in both directions, this means that the product of a reaction can react to produce the reactants. This type of reaction is known as a reversible reaction and we use this symbol In a closed system where nothing can escape, the rates of the forward reaction and backward reaction of a reversible reaction will be equal, at this point equilibrium has been reached. In a dynamic equilibrium both the forward and backward reaction proceed at the same rate. The Haber ProcessThe Haber Process is used to make ammonia. The ammonia can be used to make fertilisers and other commercial chemicals. There are two raw materials in the process: nitrogen from the air and hydrogen (from natural gas). The reactants are purified and mixed in the ratio of 3:1 (hydrogen : nitrogen) proportions and are then passed over an iron catalyst at temperatures of around 450ÂșC and a pressure of approximately 200 atmospheres. This is a reversible reaction and so some ammonia is broken down back into nitrogen and hydrogen. The gases are passed through a condensor which liquifies the ammonia. The liquid ammonia is removed from the unreacted gases and they are recycled. The yield is below 20% but the production of ammonia is quick and no gases are wasted. The equation for the reaction is: The reaction to produce ammonia is exothermic, so lower temperatures give higher yields. In general, if a reaction produces larger volumes of gases:
In general, if a reaction produces smaller volumes of gases:
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Understand that in a reversible reaction the energy change in the forwards direction is opposite to that in the reverse direction
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