Question

Metal compound ′ A ′ reacts with dilute sulphuric acid to produce a gas which extinguishes a burning candle. Identify the compound ′ A ′ and the gas produced. Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction if one of the compounds formed in the reaction is sodium sulphate.

Answer 1

Hint :We know that Soda acid type extinguisher acts by cutting off the supply of air. It acts on all types of fire except due to electrical and inflammable liquids. The carbon dioxide is liberated by the action of acid on baking soda. It increases the percentage of carbon dioxide in air.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
This type of fire extinguisher contains a bottle of sulphuric acid supported by a metallic container filled d with a baking soda solution. When the cylinder is inverted and the knob struck, against the ground, the acid bottle breaks and the acid comes into contact with the backing soda.
\[N{{a}_{2}}C{{O}_{3}}+{{H}_{2}}SO_{4}^{{}}\to N{{a}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}+C{{O}_{2}}+{{H}_{2}}O\]
Baking sulphuric sodium water carbon soda acid sulfate dioxide As a result carbon dioxide is liberated. This increases the percentage of carbon dioxide in the air. Due to this, the supply of air is cut off and there, fire is extinguished. These types of extinguishers are used in cinema halls, multistorey buildings, etc.
When sodium carbonate reacts with sulphuric acid, it produces carbon dioxide gas with effervescence. Carbon dioxide is used as a fire extinguisher. Hence, it extinguishes a burning candle. Therefore, the metal compound A is sodium carbonate.

Note :
Remember that concentrated sodium bicarbonate solution causes severe irritation to the eyes and skin. In normal conditions, it is not toxic and dangerous. Overdose of sodium bicarbonate may result in shortness of breath, muscle spasm, mood changes, jerks, and fits.