In modern cars, airbags inflate during a collision. Based on their properties and placement in the periodic table, would it be safer to fill airbags with: helium or hydrogen?

Question

A
Hydrogen because it is less dense than air

B
Helium because it is inert and will not catch on fire

C
Hydrogen because it forms chemical bonds with other elements

D
Helium because it is in the first period of the periodic table

Answer 1

The best answer is:

B Helium because it is inert and will not catch on fire.

While hydrogen is indeed less dense than air and can provide a faster inflation, it is highly flammable and poses a significant safety risk in the event of a collision where sparks and fires could occur. Helium, on the other hand, is inert and does not react chemically, making it a safer choice for filling airbags.