Collision theory and haber's reaction

  1. N2 + 3H2 -----> 2NH3,

    For this reaction to occur does one nitrogen have to collide with 3 hydrogen molecules, or should 3 nitrogen molecules collide with 3 hydrogen molecules to break up the bonds? I just brought up this example because of it's stoichiometry not for any other reason. Thanks in advance.
  2. jcsd
  3. DrDu

    DrDu 4,277
    Science Advisor

    This reaction happens at the surface of some catalyst and is only the net result of some complex series of partial reactions, e.g. adsorption of N2 and H2, dissociation of H2 with the formation of some bonds between the catalyst and H, diffusion of H on the surface, formation of compounds like HN2 forming a complex with the catalyst, addition of further hydrogens, breaking of the N-N bond in some stage, and finally desorption.

  4. What about 2NO + O2 -------> 2NO2
  5. DrDu

    DrDu 4,277
    Science Advisor

    It is probably also a multi step reaction, e.g., NO+ O2---> NO2+O,
    NO+O---> NO2

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