#"Sodium azide"#, #NaN_3#, is used in automobiles to fill air bags: (i) is this an example of chemical change; (ii) is the mass of the products equal to the mass of the reactants; and (iii) could a #83.0*g# sodium azide give rise to a volume of #36*L#?

1 Answer
Dec 28, 2017

Yes, yes, yes....

Explanation:

So we gots....

#2NaN_3(s) rarr 2Na(s) + 3N_2(g)#

We could separate this reaction out into half equations...

#underbrace(Na^(+) + e^(-) rarr Na(s))_"reduction half equation"# #(i)#

#underbrace(N_3^(-) rarr 3/2N_2(g)+ e^(-) )_"oxidation half equation"# #(ii)#

And so we add #(i)# and #(ii)# in the usual way to eliminate the electrons....

#NaN_3(s) rarr 3/2N_2(g) + Na(s)#

And so we start with a solid reagent, the nitride salt, and electrical ignition gives rise to A GASEOUS PRODUCT...i.e. dinitrogen....and each #83*g# mass of sodium nitride gives rise to a volume of approx. #36*L# dinitrogen, that inflates the bag, and hopefully cushions your nut when it strikes the steering wheel...