Question

The pungent smell emitted while scratching the match box

Answer 1

Components of a match head:
Potassium chlorate,
Sulfur, and
Powdered glass.

Components of the striking surface:
Sand,
Powdered glass, and
Red phosphorus.

When the match head is struck along the striking surface, the sand and powdered glass cause friction and heat.

The heat breaks down the potassium chlorate in the match head, releasing a pungent smell as well as releasing oxygen that serves as fuel for the fire.

The oxygen combines with sulfur and keeps the flame burning.