Ammonia: NPK fertiliser production and other applications
I can describe applications of industrial chemistry in agriculture, specifically in the production of ammonium salts for fertilisers.
Ammonia: NPK fertiliser production and other applications
I can describe applications of industrial chemistry in agriculture, specifically in the production of ammonium salts for fertilisers.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Fertilisers contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compounds to promote plant growth.
- Ammonia is a feedstock for manufacture of fertilisers, explosives, plastics, dyes and cleaning products.
- Ammonia can be used to manufacture ammonium salts and nitric acid.
- The laboratory preparation of ammonium salts is not the same as the industrial preparation.
Common misconception
Ammonia and ammonium are the same thing.
Carefully compare the different chemical formulae, structures, and distinct uses in fertilisers vs. industrial applications. Use visual aids to reinforce these differences.
Keywords
Fertiliser - a mixture of soluble chemicals added to soil that replace the mineral ions needed by plants, to promote plant growth
Eutrophication - a term used to describe when nutrients accumulate in bodies of water, which results in an increased growth of microorganisms that reduce the oxygen availability in the water
Salt - an ionic compound formed from positive and negative ions electrostatically attracted to each other
Batch process - a manufacturing method made up of discrete stages, rather than a product being constantly produced
Continuous process - a manufacturing method where a product is constantly produced
Equipment
None required.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Mixture of soluble chemicals added to soil to replace mineral ions.
Process where nutrients accumulate in body of water, removing oxygen.
Manufacturing process made of discrete stages or steps.
Manufacturing process where a product is constantly produced.
A raw material used to provide reactants for an industrial reaction.