In modern automobiles, the airbag used for the safety of the car driver typically contains which chemical compound that rapidly decomposes to produce nitrogen gas on impact?

Introduction / Context:
Airbags are important safety devices in modern cars. They inflate very quickly during a collision to cushion the occupants and reduce injuries. To achieve such rapid inflation, a chemical reaction inside the airbag module must generate a large volume of gas in a very short time. This question asks which compound is used in many traditional airbag systems for this purpose.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The context is the chemical inside an airbag system for car driver safety.

• The question focuses on the compound that decomposes to form nitrogen gas during deployment.

• Options list different sodium compounds: bicarbonate, azide, nitrite, peroxide and chloride.

• It is assumed that the learner is aware of basic chemical safety applications.

Concept / Approach:
Traditional airbag inflators use sodium azide (NaN₃) as the gas generating compound. When a collision is detected, an igniter triggers the rapid decomposition of sodium azide into sodium metal and nitrogen gas. The nitrogen gas produced inflates the airbag in a fraction of a second. While newer technologies may use other propellants to improve safety and environmental impact, sodium azide remains the standard answer in general knowledge questions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that airbag systems require a chemical that can release a large volume of gas almost instantly when triggered. Step 2: Remember that nitrogen gas is preferred because it is inert and non flammable. Step 3: Connect this with the well known use of sodium azide, which decomposes rapidly to give nitrogen gas. Step 4: Check the options and locate sodium azide among the listed sodium compounds. Step 5: Select sodium azide as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Automotive engineering references and many chemistry textbooks state that sodium azide is used in gas generator cartridges for airbags. The simplified reaction shows NaN₃ decomposing to sodium and nitrogen. While newer systems may use mixed propellants and gas storage technologies, examination material and traditional descriptions still highlight sodium azide as the key compound. Cross checking multiple safety and chemical engineering sources confirms this fact.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Sodium bicarbonate is used in baking and as a component in some fire extinguishers, but not as the main gas generator in airbags. Sodium nitrite has applications in food preservation and chemistry but is not the classic airbag propellant. Sodium peroxide is a strong oxidising agent, unsuitable for safe gas generation inside a car. Sodium chloride is common salt and does not decompose to release gas under normal conditions. Thus, none of these alternatives match the specific airbag application described.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may be tempted to pick sodium bicarbonate because they recall it produces carbon dioxide when heated or mixed with acids. However, airbags are designed to generate nitrogen, not carbon dioxide, and they require a very reliable, fast decomposition triggered by ignition. Remembering the exact name sodium azide and associating it with airbags helps avoid confusion with other sodium compounds that appear frequently in different contexts.

Final Answer:
The airbag used for the safety of a car driver typically contains sodium azide as the gas generating compound.