Askiitians Tutor Team
Last Activity: 5 Months ago
As an AI language model, I cannot create diagrams directly, but I can guide you through the explanation of how a soda-acid type fire extinguisher works.
A soda-acid fire extinguisher is a type of fire extinguisher that uses a chemical reaction between baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and sulfuric acid to produce carbon dioxide gas. This carbon dioxide gas then helps in extinguishing the fire by displacing oxygen and smothering the flames. Let's go through the working process step by step:
Step 1: Structure of a Soda-Acid Fire Extinguisher:
The soda-acid fire extinguisher consists of two main chambers:
Soda Chamber: This is a small cylindrical container located at the top of the extinguisher. It contains baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) powder.
Acid Chamber: This is a larger container located below the soda chamber. It holds sulfuric acid.
Step 2: Fire Ignition:
When a fire occurs and you need to use the extinguisher, you should first remove the safety pin and aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
Step 3: Mixing of Baking Soda and Sulfuric Acid:
Now, you need to turn the extinguisher upside down to release the baking soda from the soda chamber into the acid chamber. This action allows the baking soda to come into contact with the sulfuric acid.
Step 4: Chemical Reaction:
The reaction between baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and sulfuric acid results in the following chemical reaction:
Sodium Bicarbonate + Sulfuric Acid → Sodium Sulfate + Water + Carbon Dioxide
The main product of this reaction is carbon dioxide (CO2) gas, which is produced in large quantities.
Step 5: Discharge of Carbon Dioxide:
The generated carbon dioxide gas builds up pressure inside the extinguisher due to the closed container. This pressurized carbon dioxide gas forces its way out of the extinguisher through the nozzle.
Step 6: Extinguishing the Fire:
The high-pressure carbon dioxide gas is directed towards the base of the fire when you press the handle or trigger. The carbon dioxide gas displaces oxygen around the fire, cutting off the fire's oxygen supply. This suffocates the fire, and without sufficient oxygen, the flames are extinguished.
Step 7: Continued Operation:
You can continue to use the extinguisher as long as there is sufficient pressure inside the container to release the carbon dioxide gas. Once the chemical reaction is complete and no more carbon dioxide is being produced, the extinguisher will no longer be effective.
It's important to note that after using a soda-acid fire extinguisher, it needs to be recharged or replaced to be ready for the next use.
Remember, fire extinguishers should only be used by individuals who are trained to operate them safely. In some cases, it may be safer to evacuate and call professional firefighters to handle the fire.