Multiple choice

Where is phosphorus used?

  1. Petroleum industry

  2. Dye industry

  3. Match industry

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Phosphorus (particularly white and red phosphorus) has been historically used in the match industry. White phosphorus was used in early 'strike-anywhere' matches, but it was highly toxic and dangerous due to its tendency to ignite spontaneously. Modern safety matches use red phosphorus on the striking surface, which is safer. While phosphorus is crucial in fertilizers, detergents, food additives, and metallurgy, the match industry is a classic textbook application taught in schools.

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