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Early in the twentieth century, Fritz Haber developed a method for preparing ammonia - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 24 - 2006 - Paper 1
Question 24
Early in the twentieth century, Fritz Haber developed a method for preparing ammonia. (a) Write a balanced chemical equation for the preparation of ammonia using th... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Early in the twentieth century, Fritz Haber developed a method for preparing ammonia - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 24 - 2006 - Paper 1
Step 1
Write a balanced chemical equation for the preparation of ammonia using the Haber process.
Answer
The Haber process involves the synthesis of ammonia (NH₃) from nitrogen (N₂) and hydrogen (H₂) gases. The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is:
In this reaction, one molecule of nitrogen reacts with three molecules of hydrogen to produce two molecules of ammonia.
Step 2
Evaluate the significance of Haber's discovery at that time in world history.
Answer
Fritz Haber's discovery of the Haber process in the early 20th century was significant for several reasons:
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Agricultural Impact: The ability to synthesize ammonia allowed for the large-scale production of fertilizers, which significantly increased agricultural productivity and helped in addressing food shortages during the early 1900s.
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Industrial Advancement: The process represented a major advancement in chemical engineering, enabling industries to produce ammonia efficiently and economically. This laid the groundwork for various chemical industries, including plastics and explosives.
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World War I and Beyond: The process had immediate military implications during World War I, as ammonia was used to manufacture munitions. Its importance continued in World War II as well.
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Economic Influence: The Haber process transformed economies, contributing to the growth of countries that could capitalize on synthetic fertilizers, enabling them to become more self-sufficient in food production.
The Haber process not only revolutionized agriculture but also influenced global geopolitical dynamics as nations recognized the strategic importance of ammonia production.