Catalyst for Ammonia Synthesis in Haber Process

Steps:

• Recall the Haber process synthesizes ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen under high pressure and temperature.
• Identify that a catalyst speeds up the reaction by lowering activation energy without being consumed.
• Remember the industrial catalyst must be effective for N2 + 3H2 ⇌ 2NH3 equilibrium.
• Match the catalyst to standard chemical engineering knowledge for this reversible reaction.

Why A is correct:

• Iron, often promoted with potassium oxide and alumina, is the primary catalyst in the Haber-Bosch process, enabling efficient ammonia production at 400–500°C as per industrial standards.

Why the others are wrong:

• B. Nickel: Used in hydrogenation reactions, such as fat hardening, not nitrogen fixation.
• C. Platinum: Employed in the Ostwald process for nitric acid production from ammonia oxidation.
• D. Vanadium(V) oxide: Functions in the contact process for sulfuric acid via SO2 oxidation.

Final answer: A