Which one of the following is used in soda-acid fire extinguishers ?

Which one of the following is used in soda-acid fire extinguishers ?

Sodium chloride
Sodium hydrogen carbonate
Calcium hydroxide
Acetic acid
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2021
Soda-acid fire extinguishers utilize a chemical reaction to produce carbon dioxide gas, which is used to extinguish fires. The primary components involved in this reaction are an acid (commonly sulfuric acid) and sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO₃), also known as sodium bicarbonate or baking soda.
When the fire extinguisher is activated, the acid mixes with the sodium hydrogen carbonate solution. The reaction is: 2NaHCO₃(aq) + H₂SO₄(aq) → Na₂SO₄(aq) + 2H₂O(l) + 2CO₂(g). The rapid production of carbon dioxide gas builds up pressure, expelling the mixture out of the nozzle. The CO₂ gas also helps smother the fire by displacing oxygen, and the water cools the burning material.
Soda-acid fire extinguishers are effective against Class A fires (ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and cloth) but are not suitable for Class B (flammable liquids), Class C (electrical equipment), or Class D (combustible metals) fires. Using them on electrical fires is particularly dangerous due to the presence of water.
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