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potassium bicarbonate over the fire, the heat of the fire decomposes the chemical to
release carbon dioxide gas and the fire can be extinguished.
We can use fire extinguishers to extinguish the fire. Most commonly used fire
extinguisher other than discussed above is soda acid fire extinguisher. Soda acid fire
extinguisher contains sodium bicarbonate and sulphuric acid. When combined it
releases carbon dioxide gas, water and sodium sulphate. The mixture of carbon dioxide
and water can be sprayed over the fire to extinguish the fire. It cuts off the supply of air
as carbon dioxide is heavier than oxygen and water cools the combustible substance.
The reaction can be written as follows.
Sodium bicarbonate + Sulphuric acid Sodium sulphate + Water +Carbon dioxide
NaHCO3 + H2SO4 Na2SO4 + H2O + CO2
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