Q115 / 270 · NDA 2023 (Phase 1) · General Ability

Airbags work on the principle of a chemical reaction triggered by the impact producing a gaseous product that causes a sudden volume change. Which one among the following chemical conversions is responsible for this?

  • Correct answer
    A
    Sodium azide into nitrogen gas
  • B
    Solid carbon dioxide into gaseous carbon dioxide
  • C
    Carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide
  • D
    Sudden conversion of gaseous carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide

Solution

The chemical at the heart of the air bag reaction is called sodium azide (NaN3). High impact during crashes trip sensors in cars that send an electric signal to an ignitor. The heat generated causes sodium azide to decompose into sodium metal and nitrogen gas, which inflates the car's air bags.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'A'.

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