how matchstick is lighted
Answers
Answer:
When we rub a matchstick against the rough surface of a matchbox, then friction between the head of matchstick and rough side of matchbox produces heat. This heat burns the chemicals present on the head of matchstick due to which the matchstick lights up.
Explanation:
This heat causes a small amount of the red phosphorus chain to be broken apart. When that happens, some of the red phosphorous changes into another chemical called “white phosphorus”.
Friction and white phosphorus have provided the starting heat, and now the match needs fuel and oxygen to continue to burn.
The fuel comes from the sulfur (that’s another chemical) and wax in the head of the match. It also comes from the wood in the matchstick.
When it comes to oxygen, the match has a secret supply. Stored inside the match head is another chemical called “potassium chlorate”. When it gets hot, it releases a lot of extra oxygen and heat. This makes the match head burn quickly and strongly.
When you put it all together – the heat, the fuel, and the oxygen – you get a flame! And amazingly, all this chemistry happens in a fraction of a second.