Decomposition of Sodium Azide (Airbag Reaction)

2NaN3 → 2Na + 3N2

Übersicht

Sodium azide rapidly decomposes when ignited to produce sodium metal and nitrogen gas. This extremely fast reaction (completing in about 40 milliseconds) is the primary gas-generating reaction in automobile airbags. The large volume of nitrogen gas produced instantly inflates the airbag.

Teilnehmer

Rolle Substanz Koeffizient Zustand
Reaktant Sodium Azide NaN₃ 2 (s)
Produkt Sodium Na 2 (s)
Produkt Nitrogen N 3 (g)

Alltägliches Beispiel

When you see an airbag deploy in a car crash, the bag is inflated by nitrogen gas from the rapid decomposition of sodium azide.

Industrielle Bedeutung

Sodium azide is the key component of automotive airbag inflators. Over 100 million airbags are produced annually. The reaction's speed and gas volume are precisely engineered for occupant safety.

Eigenschaften

Typ
Decomposition
Reversibel
Nein
Energie
Exotherm
ΔH
-42,6 kJ/mol

Verwandte Reaktionen

Decomposition of Ammonium Nitrate Decomposition of Calcium Hypochlorite Decomposition of Carbonic Acid Decomposition of Iron(II,III) Oxide (Direct Reduction) Decomposition of Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) Decomposition of Barium Peroxide Decomposition of Sodium Bicarbonate Decomposition of Water (Electrolysis) Thermal Decomposition of Copper(II) Carbonate Cracking of Octane (Thermal Cracking)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Decomposition of Sodium Azide (Airbag Reaction)?
The balanced equation is: 2NaN₃ → 2Na + 3N₂.
What type of reaction is Decomposition of Sodium Azide (Airbag Reaction)?
Decomposition of Sodium Azide (Airbag Reaction) is a decomposition reaction.
Is Decomposition of Sodium Azide (Airbag Reaction) exothermic or endothermic?
Decomposition of Sodium Azide (Airbag Reaction) is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -42.6 kJ/mol.