This deep dive covers Example: The Haber Process within Equilibrium (HT) for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Equilibrium (HT) in Rates of Reaction for GCSE Chemistry with 23 exam-style questions and 18 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 6 of 14 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
🏭 Example: The Haber Process
N₂(g) + 3H₂(g) ⇌ 2NH₃(g) ΔH = −92 kJ/mol (forward is exothermic)
Analysing conditions using Le Chatelier's Principle:
- Low temperature → favours exothermic forward reaction → more NH₃ BUT too slow (impractical)
- High pressure → favours fewer molecules (4 mol → 2 mol) → more NH₃ BUT very expensive equipment
- Compromise: 450°C, 200 atm, iron catalyst — balances yield, rate, and cost
This is a classic exam example: the industrial conditions are a compromise between equilibrium position (yield) and rate of reaction (economics). Higher temperature gives faster rate but shifts equilibrium left; lower temperature is better for yield but reaction is too slow.
Practice questions for Equilibrium (HT)
At dynamic equilibrium, which of the following is true?
Explain the effect of increasing temperature on the position of an equilibrium where the forward reaction is exothermic.