A deployed air bag has a powdery residue on it. Technician A says this powder is mainly sodium carbonate and cornstarch. Technician B says it may contain sodium hydroxide. Who is correct?
A)A only
B)B only
C)both A and B
D)neither A nor B

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The powdery residue on a deployed airbag can indeed contain sodium carbonate and cornstarch, as stated by Technician A. This is because sodium carbonate acts as a drying agent to ensure the airbag remains dry until deployment. Cornstarch or talcum powder is used to keep the airbag lubricated and prevent it from sticking together. Technician B is also correct in stating that the residue may contain sodium hydroxide, which can be a byproduct of the chemical reaction that inflates the airbag. Sodium hydroxide is created as a result of the reaction between sodium azide (used in some airbag inflators) and other compounds during the inflation process.

A Deployed Air Bag Has a Powdery Residue on It