What is the primary chemical reaction responsible for inflating airbags?

The primary chemical reaction responsible for inflating airbags is nitrogen formation. Airbags rely on a rapid chemical reaction that typically involves sodium azide (NaN3), which decomposes upon ignition to produce a large volume of nitrogen gas. This nitrogen gas inflates the airbag almost instantaneously upon a collision, providing a cushion that protects the occupants of the vehicle.

The quick generation of nitrogen is critical; it must occur almost instantaneously in order to effectively deploy the airbag before the occupant can make contact with any hard surfaces inside the vehicle. This reaction is highly controlled and carefully designed to ensure that the gas produced is sufficient to measure up to safety standards. In contrast, the other choices do not play a significant role in the mechanism of airbag inflation, focusing on substances like helium, oxygen, or argon, which are not involved in the chemical process utilized in airbag systems.