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.

Question

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?
(answer only answer in 2 sentences no more please and thank you)

Answer 1

An airbag works by rapidly inflating and deflating upon collision to reduce the impact forces on vehicle occupants and prevent direct contact with hard surfaces. It has to work quickly to provide a protective barrier in a fraction of a second and reduce the risk of severe injuries, particularly head and chest injuries, during a collision.

Answer 2

An airbag works by rapidly inflating with nitrogen gas upon receiving a signal from the vehicle's sensors during a collision. This rapid inflation is crucial because it cushions the vehicle occupant's forward motion and prevents direct contact with hard surfaces, reducing the risk of severe injuries, particularly head and chest injuries, in a fraction of a second.

Answer 3

An airbag works by rapidly inflating with nitrogen gas upon collision to reduce the impact forces on the vehicle occupants and prevent direct contact with hard surfaces. It needs to work quickly because collisions happen within a fraction of a second, and the rapid inflation and deflation provide a protective barrier to minimize the risk of severe injuries, especially to the head and chest.