Question

Why does a matchstick catch fire when rubbed on the rough surface of the box?

Answer 1

Answer:

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.

Explanation: