In the body, ammonia is produced by the degradation of proteins. As a simplified version
of this process, consider the following chemical reaction:
Molecular nitrogen (N?) reacts with molecular hydrogen (H?) to form ammonia (NH?).
Assume that this reaction happens in a single "unit operation" in the body (i.e., a chemical
reactor) and is at steady state. In stream 1, nitrogen enters. In steam 2, hydrogen enters
and reacts with the nitrogen. Stream 3 is an exit stream that contains ammonia and
hydrogen. Stream 1 contains 5 grams/min of nitrogen. Stream 2 contains 0.7 moles
(gmoles)/min of hydrogen. Stream 3 contains ammonia and any unreacted nitrogen or
hydrogen. Assume that all of the nitrogen entering in stream 1 is reacted (therefore, the
hydrogen is present in excess).
The following molecular weights may be useful:
N? = 28 g/mol
H? = 2 g/mol
NH? = 17 g/mol
a. Write this chemical reaction with the appropriate coefficients to balance the
equation.
b. How much ammonia will be in Stream 3? Give your answer in grams/min.
NOTE: You will receive partial credit if you show your steps but get the wrong answer. If
you get the wrong answer and don't show your work, you will get zero credit. I
recommend that you indicate any assumptions that you make in solving the problem.
Molecular weights are available in the "Equation Sheet and Other Useful Information"
section.
