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What happens when a match is lit?

Updated: 8/9/2023
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15y ago

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Matches contain sulfur, glass powder, and an oxidizing agent as the components in the match head. When you strike a match, the friction due to the particles of glass powder rubbing together generates enough heat to convert some of the red phosphorous to white phosphorous, which burns in the presence of oxygen gas. The heat from the friction also causes the oxidizing agent to produce oxygen gas, igniting the small amount of white phosphorous. Once ignited, the oxygen gas fuels the flame while the rest of the sulfur catches on fire. Of course, this entire process happens in a fraction of a second. At this point, the entire match head is on fire, so the oxygen in the air keeps the flame going while the rest of the match burns.

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15y ago
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9y ago

When you strike a match on a matchbox, it creates friction. The friction causes heat, and the heat turns red phosphorus into white phosphorus, which catches fire in the air.

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13y ago

It is the effect of friction between the match and a special striking surface (and the reaction between potassium chlorate and red phosphorous).

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8y ago

matches light because of friction.

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Q: What happens when a match is lit?
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What happens when you drop a match in a water bottle then put the top on the water bottle?

If the match is lit and the bottle is empty, the match will burn all the oxygen and then it will go out, since it requires oxygen to keep burning. If the bottle is full, you will have a wet match.


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In the little match girl what happy vision did she see every time she struck a match?

When she lit the first match, she had a vision of a large polished iron stove, giving of a delightful warmth. When she lit the second match, she saw a roast goose on a dinner table. When she lit the third match, she had a vision of sitting under a beautiful Christmas tree. Every match she lit after that gave her a vision of her beloved dead grandmother, who finally took the little girl up to heaven.


When the little match girl strikes her matches what can she see?

When she lit the first match, she had a vision of a large polished iron stove, giving of a delightful warmth. When she lit the second match, she saw a roast goose on a dinner table. When she lit the third match, she had a vision of sitting under a beautiful Christmas tree. Every match she lit after that gave her a vision of her beloved dead grandmother, who finally took the little girl up to heaven.


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What will lit matches in a bottle produce?

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Lit a wood with a burning match


What is an example activation energy?

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