Decomposition of Sodium Azide (Airbag Reaction)

2NaN₃ → 2Na + 3N₂

Descripción general

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.

Participantes

Rol	Sustancia	Coeficiente	Estado
Reactivo	Sodium Azide NaN₃	2	(s)
Producto	Sodium Na	2	(s)
Producto	Nitrogen N	3	(g)

Ejemplo cotidiano

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

Importancia industrial

La azida de sodio es el componente clave de los infladores de airbag de automóviles. Más de 100 millones de airbags se producen anualmente. La velocidad y el volumen de gas de la reacción están diseñados con precisión para la seguridad de los ocupantes.

Propiedades

Tipo: Decomposition
Reversible: No
Energía: Exotérmico
ΔH: -42,6 kJ/mol

Reacciones relacionadas

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.