Chemistry In Society: Fertilisers

Question 1

What 3 substances do growing plants require?

Answer 1

Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium

Question 2

What are fertilisers used for?

Answer 2

To restore elements, essential for healthy plant growth, to the soil

Question 3

Why do fertilisers need to be soluble?

Answer 3

So that they can be absorbed with water in the roots of plants

Question 4

What is the formula for ammonia?

Answer 4

NH₃

Question 5

When ammonia dissolves in water, what colour would pH paper turn and why?

Answer 5

blue/purple - ammonia solution is alkali

Question 6

What is the name of the process used to make ammonia?

Answer 6

Haber process

Question 7

What are the two reactants for the Haber process?

Answer 7

N₂ + H₂

Question 8

What is the balanced chemical equation to show the production for ammonia?

Answer 8

N₂ + 3H₂ ⇌ 2NH₃

Question 9

What is the catalyst used in the Haber process?

Answer 9

Iron powder

Question 10

What is the process used to make Nitric acid?

Answer 10

Ostwald process

Question 11

What are the 3 starting materials required in the Ostwald process?

Answer 11

Ammonia, oxygen and water

Question 12

Describe the Ostwald process

Answer 12

First the NH₃ and O₂ are converted into NO₂, then water is added to dissolve the NO₂ into nitric acid (HNO₃)

Question 13

What is the catalyst used in the Ostwald process?

Answer 13

Platinum