Multiple choice

Which of the following substances is the first to catch fire in a matchstick?

  1. Potassium Chlorate

  2. Potassium Chloride

  3. Antimony Trisulphide

  4. Red phosphorus
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

In a safety match, the striking surface contains red phosphorus. When the match is struck, friction converts red phosphorus to white phosphorus, which ignites and initiates the combustion of potassium chlorate and antimony trisulfide on the match head. Red phosphorus on the side surface ignites FIRST, then transfers heat to the match head.

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