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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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12y ago

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Why is a match stick lightened on rubbing it on the rough side provided on side of match box?

The rough surface on the side of the matchbox contains an igniting agent such as red phosphorus that rubs off onto the matchstick when struck. When the matchstick is rubbed against this rough surface, friction generates enough heat to ignite the igniting agent, which then lights the matchstick.


Why does a match stick light when rubbed on a rough surface lights up?

When a match is rubbed against a rough surface, friction generates heat, which causes the match head's phosphorus compound to react with the potassium chlorate in the matchstick's head. This reaction ignites the matchstick, producing a flame.


Why it is difficult to light a matchstick by striking it on a smooth surface?

A matchstick needs friction to ignite, which is provided by the rough striking surface on the matchbox or matchbook. A smooth surface lacks the abrasiveness required to generate the necessary heat to ignite the matchstick.


What is the top of a matchstick called?

The top of a matchstick is called the "match head." It contains chemicals that ignite when struck against a rough surface, such as the striking surface on the matchbox.


Will the matchstick ignite upon matching a Bunsen burner?

No, a matchstick will not ignite by being placed near a Bunsen burner. The matchstick needs to be struck against a rough surface to ignite the chemicals on the tip and produce a flame.


What role does rubbing the match head on a rough surface have in reaction involved in the burning of a match?

Rubbing the match head on a rough surface creates friction, which generates heat. This heat is essential for initiating the reaction between the match head's chemicals (such as potassium chlorate and red phosphorus) and the sulfur present in the matchstick. This reaction leads to the match igniting and producing a flame.


Is lighting a matchstick physical?

Yes, lighting a matchstick is a physical action that involves striking the match head against a rough surface to produce friction and heat, which ignites the match.


How do determine the streak of a mineral?

by rubbing the mineral on a rough hard surface


Do you determine the streak of a mineral?

by rubbing the mineral on a rough hard surface


Why does a matchstick burn on rubbing it on the side of the matchbox?

The heads of strike-anywhere matches are composed of two parts, the tip and the base. The tip contains a mixture of phosphorus sesquisulfide and potassium chlorate. Phosphorus sesquisulfide is a highly reactive, non-toxic chemical used in place of white phosphorus. It is easily ignited by the heat of friction against a rough surface.


Is the head of a matchstick a compound?

Yes, the head of a matchstick is a compound. It is typically made of a mixture of chemicals such as phosphorus sulfide, potassium chlorate, and sulfur, which ignite when struck against a rough surface.


What is on the top of a matchstick?

A small amount of sulfur mixed with an oxidizing agent is located on the head of a matchstick. This combination helps initiate the chemical reaction needed to ignite the match when struck against a rough surface.