Airplane Oxygen Masks

Airplane Oxygen Masks

Masks on airplanes generate oxygen by triggering a chemical reaction. If the pressure in the cabin is disturbed and masks drop, tugging the mask causes a firing pin to ignite a small explosion in an ‘O2 candle’ where Sodium Chlorate and Potassium Perchlorate combine to make oxygen gas.

Previous Fact Next Fact
Categories: Science

Latest FactRepublic Video

15 Most Controversial & Costly Blunders in History

Sponsored Links