Catalysts for Sulfuric Acid and Ammonia Production

Steps:

• Identify Contact process: industrial production of sulfuric acid via oxidation of SO2 to SO3.
• Recall catalyst for Contact process: vanadium(V) oxide (V2O5) speeds up the reaction at 450°C.
• Identify Haber process: synthesis of ammonia from N2 and H2.
• Recall catalyst for Haber process: finely divided iron promotes equilibrium shift at 450°C and 200 atm.

Why C is correct:

• Vanadium oxide catalyzes SO2 + 1/2 O2 → SO3 in Contact process; iron catalyzes N2 + 3 H2 ⇌ 2 NH3 in Haber process, per standard industrial chemistry.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Iron is incorrect for Contact process, which requires vanadium oxide, not iron.
• B: Nickel is wrong for Haber process, as iron is used, not nickel (nickel catalyzes fat hydrogenation).
• D: Nickel oxide is incorrect for Haber process, which uses iron, not nickel oxide.

Final answer: C