Is it true that a matchstick does not catch fire on its own at room temperature?

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True

False

answer is A.

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Detailed Solution

The above statement is true.
The head of a safety match has antimony trisulphide and potassium chlorate on it. A matchstick does not catch fire on its own at room temperature as the ignition temperature of antimony trisulphide, and potassium chlorate is higher than the room temperature. So, some of the source is required to ignite and start combustion. The striking surface found at the sides or back covers of the matchbox act as a source of ignition. This striking surface is made up of red phosphorus, powdered glass, and glue. When the head of the matchstick is rubbed against the striking surface, friction converts red phosphorus to white phosphorus. This reacts with the oxidising agent potassium chlorate and produces enough heat until the ignition temperature is reached to ignite antimony trisulphide and further start combustion.

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