Decomposition of Sodium Azide (Airbag Reaction)

2NaN3 → 2Na + 3N2

Tổng quan

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.

Người tham gia

Vai trò Chất Hệ số Trạng thái
Chất phản ứng Sodium Azide NaN₃ 2 (s)
Sản phẩm Sodium Na 2 (s)
Sản phẩm Nitrogen N 3 (g)

Ví dụ thực tế

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

Tầm quan trọng công nghiệp

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.

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.