Question

Red phosphorous is used in making:

• A. red plastics
• B. red dyes for plastics
• C. safety match-striking surfaces
• D. air fresheners

Answer 1

The correct option is C safety match-striking surfaces

The striking surface of the safety matchbox contains red phosphorus, powdered glass, and an adhesive such as gum arabic or urea formaldehyde. When a safety match is rubbed against the striking surface, the friction generates enough heat to convert a trace of the red phosphorus into white phosphorus.