3
Data Table 3: 80-L Driver-Side Air Bag
Activity
Calculations
Moles of CO
2
required to inflate 80-L driver-side air bag
at room temperature and pressure
Balanced equation for the reaction of NaHCO
3
and CH
3
COOH
Grams of NaHCO
3
needed for the reaction
mL of CH
3
COOH (0.833 M) needed for the reaction
Data Table 4: 160-L Front Passenger-Side Air Bag
Activity
Calculations
Moles of CO
2
required to inflate 160-L front passenger-
side air bag at room temperature and pressure
Balanced equation for the reaction of NaHCO
3
and CH
3
COOH
Grams of NaHCO
3
needed for the reaction
mL of CH
3
COOH (0.833 M) needed for the reaction
1.
Based upon the observed performance of the air bag models and the amounts of sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid (vinegar) needed for an automotive air bag of 80 or 160 L, are these reactants a good substitute for sodium azide? One additional note regarding sodium azide: the rate of inflation after a triggering impact is 40 milliseconds (0.04 s). © 2016 Carolina Biological Supply Company
