Use the answers to the questions above and the data attached to help you answer the question below. Question: At the maximum volume of the airbag in the simulation, how many moles of gas are contained? Use all the collected and analyzed data to explain how you determined this value.
1. What is the functional purpose of an airbag?
The functional purpose of an airbag is to give a cushioned surface for the driver of a vehicle during the time of the collision. On page one, paragraph three, states, “They are designed to supplement seatbelt restraints and help to distribute the load exerted on a human body during an accident.” The airbag helps to absorb and distribute the force of the impact caused by the result of collision. Since the airbag is filled with a gas (N2) it can slow down the forward motion which can prevent someone from creating a sudden collision in the steering wheel with a greater force. It may also prevent the person inside from being thrown from the vehicle during a crash. Thus, the functional purpose of an airbag is to protect the driver from collision with the steering wheel by minimizing the force of impact.
2. While a series of events take place within the airbag system, what ultimately causes the airbag, stored in the steering column, to inflate?
The vehicle will send a sudden signal by its electronic control module. The sensors in the vehicle get triggered by this signal and will detect collision. On page two, paragraph two, it states, “This ignites the charge which prompts a decomposition reaction that fills the deflated nylon airbag (packed in your steering column, dashboard or car door) at about 200 miles per hour.”
The rapid chemical decomposition reaction taking place to produce nitrogen gas only requires a small spark. This process can be done by the signal sent by the electronic control module inside the vehicle which can cause an
3. Compare and contrast the properties of an effective airbag versus an ineffective airbag.
An effective airbag should inflate quickly upon impact to absorb the impact and prevent whiplash, while also being able to distinguish between an accident and other impacts. On page two, paragraph two, it states, “The goal is for the bag to be deflating by the time your head hits it.” An effective airbag must deploy quickly, deflate upon impact, and only deploy during an actual accident. It should also contain safe and non-toxic ingredients such as potassium nitrate and silicon dioxide to convert potentially explosive compounds into harmless ones. An ineffective airbag may not deploy quickly enough, fail to deflate upon impact, or deploy accidentally due to hitting a pothole or curb. It may also contain dangerous ingredients such as nitroglycerin which could easily explode and is difficult to control.
4. Why is decomposition the reaction of choice to inflate airbag systems? Write 5 sentences.
A decomposition reaction is a type of chemical reaction where one reactant dissociates into two or more components or products in the presence of heat. On page three, paragraph one, it states, “When sodium azide (NaN3) decomposes, it generates solid sodium and nitrogen gas making it a great way to inflate something as the small volume of solid turns into a large volume of gas.” This is important because the airbag needs to inflate quickly and with enough force to protect the occupants of the vehicle in the event of a collision. Decomposition is the reaction of choice to inflate airbag systems because it is a rapid and exothermic process that can generate a large volume of gas quickly. In the image on page three, image three, when the airbag sensor detects a collision, an electrical signal is sent to the inflator module. This initiates the decomposition of sodium azide, which produces nitrogen gas (N2) that inflates the airbag. The reaction is highly exothermic, which means it releases a large amount of heat, helping to rapidly inflate the airbag. The decomposition of a solid propellant produces a gas that is non-toxic and non-inflammable. This makes it a safe option for use in airbag systems. Additionally, the reaction is highly controllable, allowing for precise timing. Overall, the use of decomposition as the reaction choice for airbag inflation is a practical and effective solution for ensuring passenger safety in vehicles.
Use the answers to the questions above and the data attached to help you answer the question below.
Question: At the maximum volume of the airbag in the simulation, how many moles of gas are contained? Use all the collected and analyzed data to explain how you determined this value.
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