Agronomy Degree Practice Exam

From which source does the manufacturer obtain nitrogen to produce anhydrous ammonia?

1. Rocks high in nitrogen

2. The atmosphere

3. Organic matter

4. None of these

The correct answer is: The atmosphere

The correct answer is obtained from the atmosphere because anhydrous ammonia is produced through the Haber-Bosch process, which synthesizes ammonia (NH3) from nitrogen gas (N2) found in the atmosphere. This process involves combining atmospheric nitrogen with hydrogen, typically derived from natural gas, under high temperature and pressure, facilitated by a catalyst. Nitrogen is abundant in the atmosphere, constituting about 78% of it, making it a readily available source for manufacturers. The other options, such as rocks high in nitrogen or organic matter, do not serve as direct sources for manufacturing anhydrous ammonia; instead, they contain nitrogen in a form that must first be converted through biological or geological processes before it can be utilized as ammonia. Thus, the atmosphere is the primary source for nitrogen in the production of anhydrous ammonia.