What is in smelling salts that cause people to awaken after fainting?
2006-12-12 13:46:41 · 5 answers · asked by butterflykisses427 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Smelling salts are used to arouse consciousness because the release of ammonia [NH3] gas that accompanies their use irritates the mucous membranes of the nose and lungs, and thereby triggers an inhalation reflex (that is, it causes the muscles that control breathing to work faster). One such smelling salt is ammonium carbonate (NH4)2CO3.
2006-12-12 14:02:42 · answer #1 · answered by James Chan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From what I know, its a mixture, but mainly consists of ammonia. It smells like urine, and this cause human to awaken due to ammonia is an irritant when inhaled.
2006-12-12 14:03:51 · answer #2 · answered by SS 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ammonia
2006-12-12 14:02:09 · answer #3 · answered by Kyanne 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ammonia is released which is highly irritating to inhale.
2006-12-12 14:01:57 · answer #4 · answered by Bullwinkle Moose 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ammonium carbonate, (NH3)2CO3·H2O. It emits ammonia gas, and that does the trick.
2006-12-12 14:02:09 · answer #5 · answered by DC 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋