Decomposition of Sodium Azide (Airbag Reaction)
2NaN3 → 2Na + 3N2
Overview
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.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Sodium Azide NaN₃ | 2 | (s) |
| Product | Sodium Na | 2 | (s) |
| Product | Nitrogen N | 3 | (g) |
Everyday Example
When you see an airbag deploy in a car crash, the bag is inflated by nitrogen gas from the rapid decomposition of sodium azide.
Industrial Importance
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.
Properties
- Type
- Decomposition
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -42.6 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Cracking of Octane (Thermal Cracking)
Decomposition of Ammonium Nitrate
Decomposition of Barium Peroxide
Decomposition of Calcium Carbonate (Calcination)
Decomposition of Calcium Hypochlorite
Decomposition of Carbonic Acid
Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide
Decomposition of Iron(II,III) Oxide (Direct Reduction)
Decomposition of Nitroglycerin
Decomposition of Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
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.