Question

does match box striking surface consists of antimony trisulphide? explain the process of burning matchstick with their compositions.

Answer 1

The head of matchstick contains a mixture of antimony trisulphide and potassium chlorate which is applied on a special wood obtained from poplar tree. The rubbing suface contains pwdered glass and some amount of red phosphorus. When the matchstick struck against the rough surface a small amount of red phosphorus converts into white phosphorus which further reacts with potassium chlorate present in the matchstick head. This chemical reaction produces suffifcient heat for the ignition of antimony trisulphide and start of combustion reaction.