What makes matches light?

Question

i was curious to know when i striked a book of matches up

Answer 1

When you swipe the match over the case quickly, it causes friction which is when particles rub together. When that happens it gets very hot, causing a fire.

Answer 2

Friction provides the initial heat to ignite a match. From there on, there's a number of chemicals that are easily ignited by the heat from friction.

All kinds of recipes for match-heads have been used. If memory serves me correctly though, they usually involve potassium nitrate, some phosphorus compounds, even powdered glass.

Answer 3

Friction caused by the match being swept across proper surfaces.

They have phosphorus coating at the top, which is highly flammable.

Answer 4

There is gas inside a match and friction occurs so fire will appear

Answer 5

The heads of safety matches contain sulfur and oxidizing agents such as potassium chlorate with powdered glass, fillers, colouring matter and a binder of glue and starch. The striking surface on the box contains red phosphorus, powdered glass or silica (sand), filler and binder. When the match is struck, the heat from the friction causes a small amount of red phosphorus on the box to be vapourized as white phosphorus vapour. The latter burns spontaneously in air and initiates the decomposition of the potassium chlorate which liberates oxygen. The sulfur ignites and lights the wood of the match.