Question

How did the matchstick burn

Answer 1

The head of the matchstick is made from antimony trisulphide and potassium chlorate. The rubbing surface has powdered glass and a little red phosphorus. When the matchstick is rubbed against the side of the match box, some of the red phosphorus is converted into white phosphorus; this immediately reacts with potassium chlorate in the matchstick head to produce enough heat to ignite antimony trisulphide and starts the combustion of matchstick.

Answer 2

The head of matchstick contains a mixture of antimony trisuphide and potassium chlorate which is applied on special wood (obtained from popular tree) with some glue. The rubing surface contains powedered glass and a small amount of red phosphorus get convert into white phosphores and reacts with pottasium chlorate present in the matchstic head. The chemical reaction produces sufficient heat for the ignition of antimony trisulphide and start of the combustion reaction.