Question map
Not attempted Correct Incorrect ★ Bookmarked
Loading…
Q21 (CAPF/2019) Science & Technology › Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) › Applied everyday chemistry Answer Verified

The Soda-acid fire extinguisher contains

Result
Your answer: —  Â·  Correct: A
Explanation

A soda-acid fire extinguisher operates on the principle of generating carbon dioxide gas through a chemical reaction to extinguish fires. It specifically contains a solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate (also known as baking soda) and a separate container of sulphuric acid [1]. When the extinguisher is activated, the acid and the sodium hydrogen carbonate solution mix, resulting in a reaction that produces sodium sulphate, water, and a large volume of carbon dioxide gas. The chemical equation for this process is H2SO4 + 2NaHCO3 -> Na2SO4 + 2CO2 + 2H2O. The carbon dioxide gas creates pressure to force the liquid out and acts to smother the fire by displacing oxygen. While other acids like tartaric acid were used historically, modern soda-acid extinguishers primarily utilize sulphuric acid for its strong reactivity with the alkaline sodium hydrogen carbonate [1].

Sources

  1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Acids, Bases and Salts > Uses of Baking soda > p. 31
How others answered
Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.
Community Performance
Out of everyone who attempted this question.
60%
got it right
✓ Thank you! We'll review this.

SIMILAR QUESTIONS

CDS-I · 2023 · Q5 Relevance score: 6.25

What is the chemical composition of a soda-acid type fire extinguisher?

CDS-I · 2021 · Q96 Relevance score: 4.70

Which one of the following is used in soda-acid fire extinguishers ?

IAS · 2005 · Q94 Relevance score: 0.38

Consider the following statements: 1. Anhydrous sodium carbonate is commonly known as baking soda. 2. Baking soda is used in fire extinguishers. 3. Bleaching powder is manufactured in Hasenclever plant. Which of the statements is/are correct?

CAPF · 2008 · Q113 Relevance score: 0.31

Consider the following statements : 1. Baking soda is used in fire extinguishers. 2. Quick lime is used in the manufacture of glass. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

IAS · 2004 · Q56 Relevance score: 0.14

Consider the following statements: 1. Baking soda is used in fire extinguishers. 2. Quicklime is used in the manufacture of glass. 3. Gypsum is used in the manufacture of Plaster of Paris. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?