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.