What gas is filled in car airbags?
2 Answers
Car airbags are filled with nitrogen. An airbag is a device that inflates to protect occupants before a secondary collision occurs during a crash. Its components include: 1. Airbag sensors; 2. Anti-collision airbags and electronic control devices. Airbags need to be used in conjunction with seat belts to provide effective collision protection for occupants. Precautions for using airbags include: 1. Maintain an appropriate distance from the airbag while in the vehicle; 2. Do not place objects in front of, above, or near the airbag; 3. Keep a certain distance between the driver's chest and the steering wheel; 4. Do not modify the airbag system or its surrounding layout without authorization.
The airbags in cars are filled with nitrogen, primarily generated rapidly through a chemical reaction. When a vehicle collides, sensors trigger the ignition device, causing a chemical called sodium azide to decompose instantly, producing a large amount of nitrogen gas that inflates the airbag. Nitrogen is chosen because it is non-toxic, non-flammable, and can expand rapidly within an extremely short time to cushion the impact and protect occupants. This design aims to reduce injuries during accidents, and I only learned these fascinating details after delving into automotive knowledge. In early airbag tests, other gases were used, but practice has proven nitrogen to be the most reliable as it neither supports combustion nor poses secondary risks. The entire airbag system includes a control module and a gas generator to ensure rapid response. Once inflated, the airbag slowly releases nitrogen to create space for subsequent rescue operations. Understanding these principles has made me more attentive to regularly checking the airbag indicator light to ensure the system functions properly.
