What chemicals are in a match head?

The head of safety matches are made of an oxidizing agent such as potassium chlorate, mixed with sulfur, fillers and glass powder. The side of the box contains red phosphorus, binder and powdered glass.

Why is burning a match a chemical reaction?

When a match burns, it undergoes a chemical change. Matches use sulfur, phosphate and a friction agent held together by a binding agent. With a match, heat ignites the phosphorous on the head of the match. The initial heat from burning phosphorous breaks down potassium chlorate in the match head, which releases oxygen.

What is the chemical reaction of striking a match?

When a match is lit, potassium, chlorine, phosphorus, and sulfur react and cause a combustion, which produces light and heat. This chemical reaction is exergonic because it releases energy and exothermic because it releases heat.

What element is in matches?

Phosphorous sulfide is the chemical compound that ignites match heads. It’s found in the heads of strike-anywhere matches and in the strip on the side of safety match boxes. Other ingredients of match heads include potassium chlorate, phosphorous sesquisulfide, sulfur, glass powder, binders and fillers.

Is it bad to inhale match smoke?

Also inhaling smoke fro the matches is harmful for health. One of the toxic effects with large ingestions of matches is hemolysis, which is a breakdown of the red blood cells. This causes a decreased ability to transport oxygen around the body. In addition to respiratory failure, damage to kidneys and liver can occur.

Is a match poisonous?

Generally, matches are not toxic, and most cases will not require medical attention. The most common side effect is an upset stomach.

How does striking a match work?

Friction on the ignition surface: 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.

What type of energy is burning a match?

Chemical energy
Chemical energy** A matchstick has a lot of chemical energy stored in it. When the match is struck, it burns and the chemical energy in it produces heat energy and light energy.

Why is matching bad?

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.

What is match fire?

Safety matches ignite due to the extreme reactivity of phosphorus with the potassium chlorate in the match head. When the match is struck the phosphorus and chlorate mix in a small amount forming something akin to the explosive Armstrong’s mixture which ignites due to the friction.

Can you get high off match smoke?

Yes. Generally the smoke from any burning plant matter is toxic and contains carbon monoxide. Matches are also burning sulfur and other chemicals. Of course unless youre lighting the match and directly inhaling the smoke on a regular basis you are unlikely to suffer any adverse effects from it.

Are matches toxic to humans?