Question

Which of the following statements are true about carbon dioxide fire extinguishers?

• A. They do not corrode
• B. Can be used to put off fire due to electrical appliances
• C. Can be used to put off fire due to oil leaks
• D. Hydrochloric acid is present inside the fire extinguisher

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B)

The correct options are
A They do not corrode
B Can be used to put off fire due to electrical appliances

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are mainly used to put off fire due to electrical appliances as they do not conduct electricity. They are non-corrossive and hence, they are widely used. They cannot be used to put off fires due to oils and grease. The reactants present in carbon dioxide fire extinguisher are sodium bicarbonate and suphuric acid. The reaction between them is shown below.

$2{\mathrm{NaHCO}}_3+H_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4\to {\mathrm{Na}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4+2{\mathrm{CO}}_2+2H_{2}O$