on video Airbags | How do they work?

 If you’re in a car accident, you want to be sure your airbags protect you. And they work because of chemistry, with some physics thrown in. This week on Reactions, we’re talking the science of airbags. And remember: Airbags are meant to work in conjunction with seatbelts, so buckle up!

[Pinned comment: In the aftermath of a crash, you might notice a puff of white powder and a funny smell. In older model cars, that’s cornstarch or talcum powder used to lubricate the bag itself, but in more recent vehicles, it’s the actual byproducts of the airbag reaction.]

Airbags save our lives during an accident with the help of a decomposition reaction.

During an accident or collision, it just takes about 50 milliseconds for us to hit the steering wheel. So, there is very less time within which the airbags must inflate. Hence, when there is a collision, the sensors called accelerometers detect it and send electrical signal to an ignitor. The ignitor ignites a chemical propellant called sodium azide which decomposes, producing sodium and a large volume of nitrogen gas. This gas instantly inflates the airbag.

 If you’re in a car accident, you want to be sure your airbags protect you. And they work because of chemistry, with some physics thrown in. This week on Reactions, we’re talking the science of airbags. And remember: Airbags are meant to work in conjunction with seatbelts, so buckle up!

[Pinned comment: In the aftermath of a crash, you might notice a puff of white powder and a funny smell. In older model cars, that’s cornstarch or talcum powder used to lubricate the bag itself, but in more recent vehicles, it’s the actual byproducts of the airbag reaction.]

Airbags save our lives during an accident with the help of a decomposition reaction.

During an accident or collision, it just takes about 50 milliseconds for us to hit the steering wheel. So, there is very less time within which the airbags must inflate. Hence, when there is a collision, the sensors called accelerometers detect it and send electrical signal to an ignitor. The ignitor ignites a chemical propellant called sodium azide which decomposes, producing sodium and a large volume of nitrogen gas. This gas instantly inflates the airbag.