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The rough surface causes a lot of friction when the matchstick rubs against it. Friction causes heat (try this for yourself by rubbing the palms of your hands together- they feel hot. Then consider how smooth our skin is in comparison to the rough surface, so you appreciate how much heat it generated.) The heat causes the wood of the matchstick to set alight.

Actually, the head of the matchstick is coated in a more flammable substance (phosphorus), which makes lighting even easier.

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Q: Why does rubbing of a matchstick on a rough surface lights up?
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