Why you must tug the airplane oxygen mask to activate it
In short: When cabin pressure is lost at 35,000 feet, oxygen masks drop automatically. However, simply putting the mask on may not be enough; you may need to trigger a chemical reaction to start the flow.
The video explores the chemistry of chemical oxygen generators, often called oxygen candles, used in aircraft, submarines, and the ISS. Rather than relying on onboard oxygen tanks, these generators use an exothermic reaction to produce life-saving oxygen.
The process is initiated by a miniature explosion caused by a firing pin when you tug the mask. This triggers the decomposition of sodium chlorate to release oxygen. In an emergency, passengers should also remove any medical face masks before putting on the aircraft mask and should secure their own oxygen supply before assisting others.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: What Happens if You DON'T Pull The Oxygen Mask Dropped in Front of You in Planes
- Also: What happens in case of emergency? | EASA
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/science-what-happens-if-you-don-t-pull-the-oxygen-mask-dropped-in-fr.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Chemistry · More in Science · Latest · A–Z · All topics
