Question

Why can a log of wood not be lightened by a matchstick but a paper can

Answer 1

For something to burn, it has to be heated to the point where it can catch fire. Wood CSN stand fairly high temperatures, and a match hasn't enough energy to raise the temperature high enough.

Answer 2

Answer:

For a substance to be lighted by fire or to burn, the substance has to reach an ignition point, or an ignition temperature. "Ignition point" or "ignition temperature" is the "minimum temperature" at which any material that is combustible in air will ignite or catch fire and will continue to burn. The lower the "ignition temperature" of a substance, the more easily it will be lightened. It is observed that the "ignition temperature" of a paper is much less than a log a wood, which needs a much a "higher ignition temperature" and source. This is why a "log of wood" cannot be lightened by a "matchstick" but a paper can be lighted.