Question

Akram is unable to light a matchstick as the rough surface of the matchbox is wet. Which amongst the following is the reason behind this?

• A. Red phosphorus does not get converted to white phosphorus
• B. Red phosphorus gets converted to white phosphorus
• C. White phosphorus does not get converted to red phosphorus
• D. White phosphorus gets converted to red phosphorus

Answer 1

The correct option is A Red phosphorus does not get converted to white phosphorus

$\bullet$ The head of a matchstick is made up of antimony trisulphide, potassium chlorate and white phosphorus.
$\bullet$ On rubbing the matchstick against the matchbox friction comes into play. Due to this friction, red phosphorus gets converted to white phosphorus.
$\bullet$ So, when the matchbox is wet, the extent of this friction decreases. Thus, the red phosphorus does not convert to white phosphorus. Hence, the matchstick does not catch fire.