How_do_Airbags_work_

Airbags save our lives during an accident with the help of a decomposition reaction.

During an accident or collision, it just takes about 50 milliseconds for us to hit the steering wheel. So, there is very less time within which the airbags must inflate. Hence, when there is a collision, the sensors called accelerometers detect it and send electrical signal to an ignitor. The ignitor ignites a chemical propellant called sodium azide which decomposes, producing sodium and a large volume of nitrogen gas. This gas instantly inflates the airbag.

Now, since this whole process takes just about 30 to 40 milliseconds, the airbags blow before we hit the steering wheel, helping save our lives.