What temperature is primarily used in the Haber process?

The Haber process, which is used to synthesize ammonia by combining nitrogen and hydrogen gases, is conducted at a specific temperature to optimize the yield and rate of the reaction. A temperature of around 450°C is primarily used in the Haber process because it strikes a balance between the reaction's rate and the equilibrium position.

At higher temperatures, while the reaction proceeds more quickly, the equilibrium shifts toward the reactants according to Le Chatelier's principle, which states that an increase in temperature favors the endothermic direction of the reaction. Since the formation of ammonia is exothermic, a very high temperature would reduce the yield of ammonia. Conversely, lower temperatures would favor the formation of ammonia but slow down the reaction rate significantly, making it economically unviable to produce ammonia at such slow rates.

Thus, 450°C is chosen as it provides an effective compromise to ensure a reasonable reaction rate while still allowing for a favorable amount of ammonia production.