Q. Which of the following are the constituents of a soda acid fire extinguisher ?

The correct answer is: Option C: Dilute sulphuric acid and sodium bicarbonate solution

Explanation:

A soda acid fire extinguisher works on the principle of producing carbon dioxide gas, which helps in extinguishing the fire by cutting off the supply of oxygen. The constituents of a soda acid fire extinguisher are dilute sulphuric acid and sodium bicarbonate solution. When these two substances react, they produce carbon dioxide gas along with water and sodium sulfate as by-products.

The reaction is as follows:
H2SO4 (dilute sulphuric acid) + 2NaHCO3 (sodium bicarbonate) → Na2SO4 (sodium sulfate) + 2H2O (water) + 2CO2 (carbon dioxide gas)

The carbon dioxide gas released is non-flammable and heavier than air, which helps in smothering the fire effectively. This is why the combination of dilute sulphuric acid and sodium bicarbonate solution is used in soda acid fire extinguishers.