An airbag works by rapidly inflating and deflating to protect vehicle occupants during collisions. When a collision occurs, sensors detect the sudden deceleration and send a signal to the airbag control unit, which triggers the inflation system. The inflation system consists of a solid-state propellant, usually sodium azide, which decomposes and releases nitrogen gas when an electric current passes through it. This gas inflates the airbag in milliseconds, cushioning the occupant's forward motion and preventing direct contact with hard surfaces. The airbag then deflates quickly to allow the occupant to exit the vehicle safely.
An airbag has to work so quickly because collisions happen in the blink of an eye. The rapid inflation and deflation process allows the airbag to deploy and provide a protective barrier between the occupant and hard surfaces almost instantly. This fast response time reduces the risk of severe injuries, especially to the head and chest, as it minimizes the occupant's contact with the steering wheel or dashboard. Therefore, the speed of an airbag's function is crucial in ensuring the safety of the vehicle occupants during a collision.
Airbags are safety devices designed to protect vehicle occupants during collisions by reducing the impact forces exerted on their bodies. The fundamental principle behind airbags is the concept of rapid inflation and deflation. When a collision occurs, sensors in the vehicle detect the sudden deceleration and send a signal to the airbag control unit. The control unit then triggers the inflation system.
The inflation system of an airbag consists of a solid-state propellant, typically sodium azide, and a mixture of other chemicals. Upon activation, an electric current passes through the propellant, causing it to rapidly decompose and release nitrogen gas. This gas inflates the airbag in milliseconds, allowing it to cushion the vehicle occupant's forward motion and prevent direct contact with hard surfaces, such as the steering wheel or dashboard. The airbag deflates quickly after inflation to allow the occupant to exit the vehicle safely. The entire process occurs in a fraction of a second, providing a protective barrier and reducing the risk of severe injuries, particularly head and chest injuries, during a collision.
Using the text above, how does an airbag work and why does it have to work so quickly?
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