Neutralizing nitric acid via ammonia injection to synthesize ammonium nitrate represents a/an _______________________ reaction?
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Answer: C. Exothermic
Explanation
Neutralizing nitric acid with ammonia releases large quantities of heat, confirming the reaction is strongly exothermic. The acid-base neutralization forms ammonium nitrate salt while liberating thermal energy into the aqueous solution. Process engineers must design robust cooling and evaporation systems to manage this continuous heat generation safely. Neutralization reactions between strong mineral acids and basic ammonia are inherently exothermic chemical processes. The reaction produces a concentrated ammonium nitrate solution that subsequently goes to prilling or granulation towers. Excess water from the liquid reactants is boiled off using the heat generated during the neutralization step.
Industrial fertilizer plants harness reaction heat to reduce energy costs associated with downstream water evaporation. Safety systems monitor reactor temperatures closely to prevent runaway thermal decomposition of ammonium nitrate. Proper neutralization control ensures the final fertilizer product meets strict pH and moisture specifications. Catalytic describes reactions requiring external agents to proceed, whereas neutralization occurs spontaneously upon mixing. Endothermic reactions require continuous heat input, which contradicts the thermal release of acid-base neutralization. Autocatalytic means the reaction product accelerates the rate, which is not the defining thermal feature here.
- Subject
- Engineering
- Category
- Chemical Engineering
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
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