- A Haber-Bosch is described, incorrectly, as a naturally occurring biological process performed mainly by free-living nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria found in agricultural fields worldwide as frequently described
- B Haber-Bosch is an industrial process (N2 + H2 at high T/P with Fe catalyst) that produces ammonia; it requires 400-500 degrees C and 200 atm; biological fixation occurs at room temperature using nitrogenase
- C The Haber-Bosch reaction is incorrectly reported to take place naturally within the specialized root nodules formed by leguminous host plants in most textbook accounts during normal conditions as generally observed
- D Biological nitrogen fixation is said to consume far more total industrial energy overall than the Haber-Bosch process itself ever requires under any conditions in typical laboratory settings under usual circumstances
Correct answer: B. Haber-Bosch is an industrial process (N2 + H2 at high T/P with Fe catalyst) that produces ammonia; it requires 400-500 degrees C and 200 atm; biological fixation occurs at room temperature using nitrogenase
Explanation: Haber-Bosch (1909): N2 + 3H2 at 400-500C, 200 atm with Fe catalyst produces NH3. It consumes ~1-2% of global energy. Biological nitrogen fixation by nitrogenase occurs at ambient temperature and pressure but requires ~16 ATP per N2. Both produce the same NH3 product.
Concept context
Essential mineral elements, their roles and deficiency symptoms. Nitrogen fixation and soil nutrition.