A small amount of the red phosphorus on the friction surface is converted into white phosphorus. The heat ignites the phosphorus that has reached the match head of the match when rubbing. The oxygen is supplied by the oxidizing agent potassium chlorate. The match head mass is foamed with air to optimize the burning behavior of the match head.
But if you zoomed right in to see how all its atoms are arranged, it would look like a bunch of triangles and other shapes stuck together into a long chain. When you rub the match on the box, you get friction, which means you get heat. This heat causes a small amount of the red phosphorus chain to be broken apart. It reacts immediately with a gas in the air called oxygen. This will create a lot more heat.
So the story so far: the friction breaks the red phosphorous chain, which allows the white phosphorous to react with oxygen and the match starts to get hot. Friction and white phosphorus have provided the starting heat, and now the match needs fuel and oxygen to continue to burn.
It also comes from the wood in the matchstick. When it comes to oxygen, the match has a secret supply. When it gets hot, it releases a lot of extra oxygen and heat. All of these components are what allow the match to stay lit for long enough to light your favourite Yankee Candle. The only difference between safety matches and strike-anywhere matches is that the match head of the latter contains red phosphorus as well as an oxidising agent and sulphur.
This allows it to ignite on any surface when friction creates heat. The fact that it is the same colour as the red phosphorus is just a coincidence. The reason the match head is coloured is because dye is added to the tip in order to clearly indicate which end catches on fire. Here at ReAgent, we love to unravel the scientific and chemical mysteries behind commonplace objects.
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You should also follow any safety advice and precautions listed on the product label. If you have health and safety related questions, visit HSE. Contact Us. ReAgent Chemical Services. We edited your comment slightly, because we don't allow hurtful words on our website. We decided to change one of the Try It Out activities above to reflect this.
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You have answered 0 of 3 questions correctly and your score is:. Want to add a little wonder to your website? Help spread the wonder of families learning together. We sent you SMS, for complete subscription please reply. Follow Twitter Instagram Facebook. What makes a match light? When was the match invented? What chemical reactions take place to light a match? Wonder What's Next? Try It Out We hope you're fired up about checking out the following activities with a friend or family member: Ask an adult friend or family member to take you on a field trip to a local sporting goods store.
Check out the camping section. Pay particular attention to the area with cooking supplies. In the past, people had to rely upon matches and wood to light a fire to cook in the wild.
What about today? What examples do you find of modern technology that makes cooking while camping much easier? Do you even need matches these days? What other tools do you find that can be used in lieu of matches? If you were stranded in the woods and needed to start a fire to stay warm and cook food, could you do it?
Ask an adult friend or family member to help you pretend to be a survivor stuck in the woods. Can you gather wood and kindling? Can you start a fire without the benefit of matches or a lighter? Then take what you've learned into the wild to try to start your own fire without matches or a lighter.
Good luck! In the mood for some arts and crafts? Make a match stick picture! Follow the steps here to create a scene using match sticks. What will you create? When you're finished, we'd love to see your creations!
Share them on our Facebook page! Did you get it? Test your knowledge. Wonder Words wood easy sand heat strip air spark flint safety ignition volatile novice opportunity participate convenience innovation revolutionary flammable Take the Wonder Word Challenge. Join the Discussion. Oct 23, We're glad you enjoyed this Wonder, janessa!!! Dariana Apr 17, Apr 19, Apr 18, Karter Feb 17,
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