Q1: Steam reforming of naphtha produces ammonia synthesis gas. This is a/an __________ process.

ANS:B - endothermic

An endothermic process is a chemical reaction or physical change that absorbs heat from its surroundings. In simpler terms, it's a process that requires heat energy to proceed. During an endothermic reaction, the system absorbs energy in the form of heat, causing a decrease in temperature of the surroundings. For example, when ice melts, it absorbs heat from its surroundings to break the intermolecular bonds and change its phase from solid to liquid. Another common example is the reaction between baking soda and vinegar, where the dissolution of baking soda in vinegar absorbs heat, causing the surroundings to feel cooler. In the context of steam reforming of naphtha, the process is endothermic because it requires the input of heat energy to break the chemical bonds in the naphtha molecules and water vapor (steam) and to facilitate the desired chemical reactions. This input of heat is necessary to drive the reaction forward and produce the desired products, such as hydrogen and carbon monoxide for ammonia synthesis.