What is the chemical composition of a soda-acid type fire extinguisher?
[amp_mcq option1=”Solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate and sulfuric acid” option2=”Solution of sodium carbonate and sulfuric acid” option3=”Solution of carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid” option4=”Solution of sodium chloride and sulfuric acid” correct=”option1″]
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2023
$2NaHCO_3 (aq) + H_2SO_4 (aq) \rightarrow Na_2SO_4 (aq) + 2H_2O (l) + 2CO_2 (g)$
This reaction produces a large volume of carbon dioxide gas (CO₂), which is expelled under pressure. The CO₂ gas is denser than air and blankets the fire, displacing oxygen and suppressing the combustion.
– The extinguishing agent is primarily carbon dioxide gas produced by the reaction.