Question

why does a matchstick catch fire when it is rubbed on rough surface

Answer 1

The friction due to the rubbing of the phosphorus tip of the matchstick against the side of the matchbox side (which has powdered glass, and an adhesive such as gum arabic or urea formaldehyde) increases the temperature of the tip to get ignited.

Answer 2

The surface of the matchstick contains red phosphorus and the matchstick contains potassium chlorate.

Explanation:

• When a matchstick is rubbed against a matchstick, some of the red phosphorus turns into white phosphorus, a chemical so volatile that it ignites in the air.
• When a match stick is rubbed on a rough surface, friction converts this work into heat.
• The heat raises the temperature of the chemical on the matchstick to its ignition temperature.
• Due to this the chemical substance catches fire and matches start burning.