Question

Explain main function of soda acid fire extinguisher

Answer 1

In soda-acid fire extinguisher, which contains a solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate surrounding a glass bottle containing sulphuric acid.

In case of fire, the knob (provided at the top of extinguisher) is pressed, thereby bottle breaks and the two solutions come in contact, thereby liberating carbon dioxide gas.

2 NaHCO3 + H2SO4➡ Na2SO4 + 2 H2O + 2 CO2


The liberated carbon dioxide forces a stream of effervescing liquid on the fire. In this way, carbon dioxide surrounds the combustible substances and cut­off the supply of air, thereby it assists to put out the fire.