Compound Interest: The Chemistry of Matches (2024)

FAQs

Compound Interest: The Chemistry of Matches? ›

When the match is struck, a small amount of the red phosphorus on the striking surface is converted into white phosphorus, which then ignites. The heat from this ignites the potassium chlorate, and the match head bursts into flame.

The head of "strike anywhere" matches contain an oxidizing agent such as potassium chlorate together with tetraphosphorus trisulfide, P₄S₃, glass and binder. The phosphorus sulfide is easily ignited, the potassium chlorate decomposes to give oxygen, which in turn causes the phosphorus sulfide to burn more vigorously.

If the match is struck against the striking surface, the friction causes the match to heat up. 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 match head contains a mixture of two chemicals, phosphorus sesquisulfide P₄S₃ and potassium chlorate(v), KClO₃. When the match is struck, the heat of friction is sufficient to ignite the phosphorus sesquisulfide. The potassium chlorate(V) decomposes to provide the oxygen needed for the combustion.

The head of the safety match stick basically has a mixture of potassium chlorate along with phosphorus sulfide and glass binder that keeps them intact.

Because of the potential use of red phosphorus for illicit drug manufacture (methamphetamine), its sale is monitored by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which limits its availability in the United States.

This oxygen combines with antimony trisulfide to produce a long-lasting flame so you have enough time to light a candle. The whole thing is coated with paraffin wax, which helps the flame travel down the match. Just don't burn the house down. As antimony oxidizes, sulfur oxides form, creating that burnt-match scent.

Generally, matches are not toxic, and most cases will not require medical attention. The most common side effect is an upset stomach. However, there are a few special cases that need to be considered: How many matches did your child eat, and were the matches recently lit?

Since combustion is a chemical reaction involving reaction with oxygen forming new products, burning of matchstick is a chemical change.

Red phosphorus is a key component of safety matches, a chemical that plays a crucial role in the ignition process. The striking surface on the matchbox or case contains a small amount of red phosphorus. When you strike the match against this surface, the friction causes a chemical reaction that ignites the match head.

What acid is used in matches? ›

Modern safety matches usually have antimony sulfide, oxidizing agents such as potassium chlorate, and sulfur or charcoal in the heads, and red phosphorus in the striking surface. Nonsafety matches usually have phosphorus sesquisulfide in the heads.

In this work, two molecular structures are considered to be a "match", if the smaller structure is an exact substructure (atom and bond types) of the larger structure being compared.

The friction between the match and the striking surface causes the match to heat up. On the friction surface, a small amount of red phosphorus is transformed into white phosphorus. Red phosphorus has a low ignition temperature. Thus, it is used in the manufacturing of safety matches.

Potassium chlorate (KClO₃) is a highly reactive oxidizing agent commonly used in matchstick heads, explosives, flares, pyrotechnics, textile printing, bleaching and disinfectants [1].

Red phosphorus is in the material stuck on the side of matchboxes, used to strike safety matches against to light them. By far the largest use of phosphorus compounds is for fertilisers.

(h) A chemical compound that makes up the striking heads of match sticks is phosphorus sulphide.

Energy stored in an unburned match is basically in the form of chemical energy which comes from the inflammable material the matches are made with (Phosphorus & Sulphur mainly). Chemical energy is converted into heat, light & sound energy at the time of burning.

The head of the matchstick consists of combustible substances which possess stored energy, i.e., chemical energy. When a matchstick is rubbed against a suitable surface the combustible substances start to burn with the evolution of heat and light energy.

Lighting a fire with a match uses chemical energy, thermal energy and light energy. A match has stored energy in the chemicals coating it in the form of chemical energy. When a match is lit the chemical energy in it is converted to heat and light energy in the flame. This is an example of an energy conversion.

The chemicals in the match head can cause damage to the kidneys and liver (this is rare). If the matches were lit not long before they were swallowed, there is danger that they could cause an internal burn. Like most small objects, they can also be a choking hazard. In these cases, seek immediate help and call 911.