The correct answer is (2) Iron containing molybdenum.
In Haber's process, which is used for the industrial production of ammonia (\NH_3\), the catalyst used is actually a combination of iron and molybdenum. It is known as an iron-molybdenum catalyst. The presence of molybdenum enhances the efficiency and selectivity of the iron catalyst in promoting the ammonia synthesis reaction.
The balanced chemical equation for Haber's process is:
\(N_2(g) + 3H_2(g)\) ⇌ \(2NH_3(g)\)
The reaction is carried out at high pressure and moderate temperature, and the iron-molybdenum catalyst helps to speed up the rate of ammonia formation while ensuring that the reaction is reversible and does not reach equilibrium too quickly.
This process is of paramount importance in the production of ammonia, which serves as a key component in the manufacture of fertilizers and various other chemical products. Without the catalytic effect of the iron-molybdenum catalyst, the synthesis of ammonia would be slow and economically unfeasible for large-scale production. |
