Describe in words the chemical reaction N2 + 3H2 -> 2NH3.

The chemical reaction ${\text{N}}_2+3{\text{H}}_2\to 2{\text{NH}}_3$ describes the synthesis of ammonia (NH₃) from nitrogen (N₂) and hydrogen (H₂) gases. This reaction is fundamental in chemistry, particularly in the industrial production of ammonia. Here's a detailed explanation of the reaction:

1. Reactants Involved:
   - Nitrogen (${\text{N}}_2$): A diatomic molecule, consisting of two nitrogen atoms bonded together. It is a relatively inert gas under standard conditions, requiring significant energy to break its triple bond.
   - Hydrogen ($3{\text{H}}_2$): Also a diatomic molecule, consisting of two hydrogen atoms. Hydrogen gas is highly reactive and forms a single bond in molecules.

2. Product Formed:
   - Ammonia ($2{\text{NH}}_3$): A compound consisting of one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms. Ammonia is a colorless gas with a characteristic pungent smell.

3. Balancing the Equation:
   The chemical equation is balanced as follows:
   - The nitrogen molecule (${\text{N}}_2$) consists of 2 nitrogen atoms. In the product side, two ammonia molecules ($2{\text{NH}}_3$) contain a total of 2 nitrogen atoms, thus balancing the nitrogen atoms on both sides.
   - For hydrogen, there are 3 hydrogen molecules ($3{\text{H}}_2$), each containing 2 hydrogen atoms, making a total of 6 hydrogen atoms. In the product, two ammonia molecules ($2{\text{NH}}_3$) have a total of 6 hydrogen atoms, thus balancing the hydrogen atoms on both sides.

4. Type of Reaction:
   This is a synthesis reaction where simpler substances (nitrogen and hydrogen gases) combine to form a more complex substance (ammonia).

5. Industrial Significance:
   This reaction is famously known as the Haber-Bosch process in industry. It is a key industrial chemical process used for the production of ammonia, which is a critical ingredient in fertilizers and various chemicals.

6. Reaction Conditions:
   The reaction typically requires high pressure and temperature, along with a catalyst (often iron-based), to proceed efficiently due to the strong triple bond in nitrogen molecules that must be broken for the reaction to occur.

In summary, the reaction ${\text{N}}_2+3{\text{H}}_2\to 2{\text{NH}}_3$ represents the synthesis of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen. It is an exothermic reaction, releasing energy, and plays a crucial role in the industrial production of ammonia, particularly in agriculture for fertilizer manufacturing.

The Haber-Bosch process, which carries out this reaction, is a pivotal industrial process with significant implications for food production and the global economy.