In the synthesis of ammonia from its constituent elements, what is the coefficient of hydrogen in the stoichiometric equation?

Question

Cooper Anderson · Accepted Answer

undefined The stoichiometric equation for the synthesis of ammonia from its constituent elements (nitrogen and hydrogen) is:

N2 + 3H2 → 2NH3

The coefficient of hydrogen (H2) in the stoichiometric equation is 3.

Peyton Adams · Answer

Well, I would write #3/2#........

i.e. #1/2N_2(g)+3/2H_2(g) rightleftharpoons NH_3(g)# This is a high-stress procedure that could alternatively be shown as, #N_2 + 3H_2 rightleftharpoons 2NH_3# One of the most significant industrial reactions, it is catalyzed on metal or metal oxide surfaces and typically occurs at high temperatures and pressures of 200 atm. Without this reaction, we could not produce nitrogenous fertilizer, which is needed to grow food. Given the bond energy of the #N-=N# bond, about the only thing this reaction has got going for it is the relative involatility/solubility of ammonia compared to the parent gases. Even a small turnover at equilibrium could be removed from the process, and the equilibrium reshunted to the right to make more product.