2023 · Q69
What is the chemical composition of a soda-acid type fire extinguisher?
General KnowledgeChemistry
- ASolution of sodium hydrogen carbonate and sulfuric acid
- BSolution of sodium carbonate and sulfuric acid
- CSolution of carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid
- DSolution of sodium chloride and sulfuric acid
Explanation
A soda-acid fire extinguisher contains a solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate (baking soda, NaHCO3) in one chamber and sulfuric acid in another; on activation they mix and react (2NaHCO3 + H2SO4 -> Na2SO4 + 2H2O + 2CO2), and the evolved carbon dioxide under pressure expels the water jet and smothers the fire.