Complete the statement.
During this chemical reaction, the airbag becomes ().
warmer colder
When a chemical reaction absorbs or releases thermal energy, the reaction causes a change in temperature. Read the passage about a chemical reaction that absorbs or releases thermal energy. Then, follow the instructions below.
Airbags reduce injuries during car crashes by inflating quickly to provide cushions for people inside a car. Older airbags contain a small amount of sodium azide (NaN3). If a crash occurs, the sodium azide is heated, causing it to break down into sodium metal (Na) and nitrogen gas (N2). In less than one-tenth of a second, enough nitrogen gas is produced to completely fill the airbag. As a result of the reaction, thermal energy is transferred into the surroundings.
During a chemical reaction, thermal energy is absorbed or released as heat. This transfer of thermal energy changes the temperature of the reaction's surroundings. The surroundings are everything around the reaction, such as the solution that the reaction takes place in or the air nearby.
Some reactions release thermal energy into the surroundings. This thermal energy is converted from chemical energy, which is provided by the molecules in the reaction. As the thermal energy moves out of the reaction and into the surroundings, the temperature of the surroundings increases.
Some reactions absorb thermal energy from the surroundings. This thermal energy is converted into chemical energy during the reaction. As the thermal energy moves out of the surroundings and into the reaction, the temperature of the surroundings decreases.
To determine whether the airbag becomes warmer or colder, look for the text that describes the movement of thermal energy during the reaction.Airbags reduce injuries during car crashes by inflating quickly to provide cushions for people inside a car. Older airbags contain a small amount of sodium azide (NaN3). If a crash occurs, the sodium azide is heated, causing it to break down into sodium metal (Na) and nitrogen gas (N2). In less than one-tenth of a second, enough nitrogen gas is produced to completely fill the airbag. As a result of the reaction, thermal energy is transferred into the surroundings.The underlined text tells you that thermal energy is transferred into the surroundings. Because thermal energy moves out of the reaction and into the surroundings, the temperature of the surroundings increases.The surroundings include the airbag that the reaction takes place in. So, the airbag becomes warmer.