WBCS.LIVE practice question

Which substance is used in the tips of safety matches that ignites upon friction?

Solve this multiple-choice question and check the correct answer with its explanation below.

Answer options

  1. Red Phosphorus
  2. White Phosphorus
  3. Sulfur
  4. Potassium Chlorate

Correct answer and explanation

Correct answer: Red Phosphorus

Explanation: āœ… Correct Answer: A) Red Phosphorus šŸ“š Explanation: Modern safety matches use red phosphorus on the striking surface of the matchbox rather than the match head itself. When the match head, containing potassium chlorate, is rubbed against the red phosphorus, friction converts a small amount of it into white phosphorus, which ignites. This design prevents accidental ignition, making it much safer than older "strike-anywhere" matches.