Research News related to Reversible Reaction and Equilibrium

Yoz,

Here's an article on the synthesis of ammonia:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/02/040219080154.htm

Basically, a research team in Cornell is able to add hydrogen atoms to the nitrogen molecule and convert it to ammonia, without the need for high temperatures or high pressure. (Remember our Haber Process?) They have done this by using a zirconium metal complex.

Picture: Dinitrogen complex of Zirconium
http://www.chem.cornell.edu/chirik/


Using the knowledge learnt at our level:

Q1. What is the term we use to describe the zirconium complex.
Q2. Explain, with the help of the Boltzmann Distribution Curve, why a high temperature is no longer necessary with the zirconium complex.
*You can share your answers to these questions in the comments.

We've also learnt about eutrophication in this chapter. The following article discusses eutrophication occuring in Lake Superior, USA.

Nitrate in Lake Superior: On the rise

Enjoy the read.