UPSC NDA I 2023 General Ability Solved Paper

Concept:The Haber-Bosch process is the most widely used industrial method for ammonia synthesis.Explanation:Ammonia ($\mathrm{NH}_3$) is produced by reacting nitrogen ($\mathrm{N}_2$) and hydrogen ($\mathrm{H}_2$) under high pressure (150–300 atm) and temperature (400–500°C) using an iron catalyst.The balanced reaction is: $\mathrm{N}_2(g) + 3\mathrm{H}_2(g) \rightleftharpoons 2\mathrm{NH}_3(g)$.This process was developed by Fritz Haber and later scaled up by Carl Bosch and Alwin Mittasch, hence the name Haber‑Bosch.It is the most efficient and economical method for large‑scale ammonia production, essential for fertilizers.Other methods are not preferred: the Ostwald process (uses nitric oxide) produces more pollutants and is less efficient; the electric furnace process requires very high temperatures; the electrolysis process is energy‑intensive and impractical.Thus, the Haber‑Bosch process remains the dominant technology.Answer:B. Haber‑Bosch process