The Anatomy of a Match
The Head
The head of a match is a small, round, combustible tip that is coated in a chemical mixture. This mixture includes phosphorus sesquisulfide, potassium chlorate, antimony sulfide, and sulfur. When the head of a match is struck against a rough surface, the friction generates heat and causes the chemicals to ignite. The heat then travels down the matchstick, lighting the rest of the match.
The head of a match is the most important part of the match because it is the part that actually ignites and creates the flame. Without the head, the match would not be able to light.
The Stick
The stick of a match is made of wood or paper that has been treated with a chemical called sulfur dioxide. The sulfur dioxide prevents the stick from burning too quickly. The stick also provides a path for the heat to travel from the head to the base of the match.
The stick of a match is not as important as the head, but it is still an essential part of the match. Without the stick, the match would not be able to hold the head or provide a path for the heat to travel.
The Base
The base of a match is the part that is held when the match is lit. The base is usually made of wood or cardboard. The base is not an essential part of the match, but it does make it easier to handle the match and keep it from burning your fingers.
The base of a match is the least important part of the match. However, it is still a convenient feature that makes it easier to use the match.
| Match Anatomy | Description |
|---|---|
| Head | The combustible tip |
| Stick | Treated with sulfur dioxide |
| Base | For handling convenience |
Finding the Strike Plate
The strike plate is the rough surface on the side of the matchbox where the match head strikes to ignite. To find the strike plate:
- Inspect the matchbox and look for a designated area with a raised or textured surface.
- Consult the matchbox label or packaging, which may specify the location of the strike plate.
- Hold the matchbox with the matches facing you and gently run your finger along the side. You should feel the strike plate as a slight ridge or roughness.
- If you have a strip of matches, look for a designated colored area or a specific number of matches that are separated from the rest, as these often indicate the location of the strike plate.
Additional Details for Finding the Strike Plate on a Strip of Matches:
| Type of Strip Match | Strike Plate Indicator |
|---|---|
| Wooden Matches | Red (or other contrasting color) tip or small black band on one end |
| Paperboard Matches | First 2-4 matches separated from the rest by a colored strip |
| Cardboard Matches | First 3-5 matches separated from the rest by a thin strip |
Striking the Match Properly
1. Hold the Match Firmly
Grip the match firmly between your thumb and middle finger, leaving about 1 centimeter of the tip exposed.
2. Position the Strike Area
Locate the strike area, which is typically a rough or discolored surface on the side of the matchbox or other striking surface.
3. Swiftly Drag the Match
With a quick, downward motion, drag the match across the strike area, applying firm but controlled pressure.
4. Generate Friction
The friction between the match tip and the strike surface ignites the chemicals in the tip.
5. Extinguish the Flame
After the match has ignited, quickly extinguish the flame by blowing gently on it. This prevents the match from continuing to burn and helps preserve the remaining stick.
Additional Tips
| Tips |
|---|
| Use dry matches and a dry striking surface. |
| Drag the match firmly and quickly across the strike area. |
| Hold the match at a slight angle to the strike surface. |
| Be aware of the wind direction and shield the match if necessary. |
| Practice lighting matches in various conditions to improve your technique. |
Preventing the Flame from Going Out
Once you’ve successfully lit a match, it’s essential to protect the flame from extinguishing. Follow these tips to ensure your match stays alight:
1. Shield the Flame from Wind: Avoid lighting matches in windy areas. If necessary, create a makeshift windbreak with your hand or a piece of paper.
2. Keep the Flame Upright: Hold the matchstick vertically to prevent the flame from dripping and going out.
3. Use a Matchbook or Matchbox: The striker on a matchbook or matchbox will provide a hot surface for the match to ignite on. This can increase the likelihood of a successful strike and prevent the flame from going out.
4. Use Multiple Matches: If one match goes out, have another one ready to light immediately.
5. Handle the Match Gently: Avoid shaking or jolting the matchstick, as this can extinguish the flame.
6. Relight Extinguished Matches: If a match goes out, try relighting it immediately. The residual heat on the match head may still be sufficient for ignition.
7. Protect the Match from Moisture: Keep matches away from water, as any moisture can damp the match head and prevent it from lighting.
Additional Tips for Preventing Flame Extinction:
| Condition | Solution |
|---|---|
| Strong Wind | Find shelter or create a homemade windbreak |
| Damaged Matchstick | Try using a different match |
| Cold Temperature | Light the match in a warm, sheltered area |
Extinguishing the Match
Once the match has served its purpose, it is crucial to extinguish it properly to prevent any potential fire hazards or injuries. Here are the steps to safely extinguish a match:
- Dip the match head into water: Submerge the burning match head completely into a cup of water. This will immediately extinguish the flame.
- Use a wet cloth: If water is not readily available, dampen a cloth with water and wrap it around the match head. This will smother the flame.
- Drop the match in a sink: Drop the burning match into a sink filled with water. The water will quickly quench the flame.
- Use sand or soil: If outdoors, dig a small hole in the ground and bury the burning match head in sand or soil. This will suffocate the flame.
- Flick the match vigorously: Hold the match horizontally and flick your wrist sharply. This will generate enough air current to extinguish the flame.
- Blow out the flame: Blow gently on the match head to extinguish the flame. Be careful not to blow too hard, as this may scatter sparks.
- Use a matchbook or box: If available, strike the match on the rough surface of the matchbook or box to extinguish the flame.
- Wait until the match is completely cool: After extinguishing the flame, wait a few moments until the match is completely cool to the touch. This will ensure that there are no remaining embers that could potentially reignite.
| Method | Suitable Situations |
|---|---|
| Dipping in water | Readily available water |
| Using a wet cloth | No water available |
| Dropping in a sink | Access to a sink |
| Burying in sand or soil | Outdoors |
| Flicking vigorously | Open area |
| Blowing out the flame | Small flames |
| Using a matchbook or box | Available matchbook or box |
Troubleshooting Common Lighting Issues
Match Head Is Too Soft
If the match head is too soft, it will break easily when you strike it. You can try the following to resolve this issue:
- Ensure the matchbox is stored in a dry place, as moisture can soften the heads.
- Try striking the match on a rough surface, such as a brick wall or sandpaper, to create more friction and ignite the head.
- If the matchbox is old, the heads may have deteriorated over time. Try a new box of matches.
Match Is Not Striking Properly
If the match is not striking properly, it could be due to the following:
- The striking surface on the matchbox is worn or dirty. Try cleaning it with a cloth or sandpaper.
- The match head is not aligned with the striking surface. Hold the match upright and strike it perpendicular.
- The matchbox is holding the matches too tightly, preventing them from moving freely. Loosen the matchbox slightly.
Match Head Breaks Off
If the match head breaks off when you strike it, try the following:
- Strike the match more gently, applying less force.
- Hold the match at a slightly different angle when striking it.
- Use a new matchbox, as old or damaged matches are more likely to break.
Match Lights But Goes Out Quickly
If the match lights but goes out quickly, it could be due to the following:
- The match is exposed to wind or draft, which can blow out the flame.
- The match is not given enough time to fully ignite. Let the match burn for a few seconds before blowing on it.
- The striking surface may have been damaged, resulting in poor ignition.
Match Burns Too Quickly
If the match burns too quickly, try the following:
- Use high-quality matches with longer wooden sticks to provide a slower burn.
- Avoid holding the match too close to the flame, as this can draw the flame up the stick and cause it to burn faster.
- Extinguish the match by dipping it in water or sand instead of blowing on it, which can spread the flame.
Match Smokes or Sputters
If the match smokes or sputters when lit, it could be due to the following:
- The match is damp or has been exposed to moisture.
- The matchbox has become clogged with match dust, which can interfere with ignition.
- The match has been improperly stored in sunlight or extreme temperatures.
Cannot Find Striking Surface
If you cannot find the striking surface on the matchbox, consult the following table:
| Matchbox Type | Striking Surface Location |
|---|---|
| Slide-out Matchbox | On the side of the matchbox, where the matches slide out |
| Book Matchbox | On the inside of the matchbox, where the matches are folded |
| Jumbo Matchbox | On the bottom of the matchbox, where the matches are stored |
Strike the Match Safely
Place the match head firmly against the designated striking surface on the matchbox. Avoid striking the match against a rough or uneven surface, as this can cause sparks and increase the risk of igniting the match prematurely.
Light the Match
Draw the match smoothly down the striking surface with a firm motion. Do not jerk or pull the match, as this can break the match head or prevent proper ignition. Once the match head ignites, hold it upright to allow the flame to stabilize.
Utilizing Matches Safely
To ensure safety when using matches, follow these guidelines:
- Keep matches away from children and pets.
- Store matches in a cool, dry place away from heat and humidity.
- Never strike a match near flammable materials or liquids.
- Extinguish the match completely before discarding it.
- Dispose of used matches in a non-combustible container.
- Never relight a match that has been extinguished.
- Do not use matches in windy conditions.
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid using matches in areas with potential fire hazards.
- Always keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby when using matches.
- If a fire does occur, immediately call for help and evacuate the area.
How to Light a Match
Lighting a match may seem like a simple task, but there are actually a few steps that you need to follow in order to do it properly. By following these steps, you can avoid accidents and ensure that you get a light without any hassle.
1. Find a striking surface. The striking surface is the rough area on the side of the matchbox that you use to ignite the match. Make sure that the striking surface is clean and free of any debris.
2. Hold the match at an angle. Hold the match at a 45-degree angle to the striking surface. This will help to ensure that the match will light evenly.
3. Strike the match. Strike the match firmly against the striking surface. You should hear a slight click when the match ignites.
4. Hold the match upright. Once the match is lit, hold it upright. This will help to keep the flame burning evenly.
5. Light the desired object. Hold the match to the object that you want to light. The flame will ignite the object and you will have your light.
People Also Ask
How do you light a match in the wind?
To light a match in the wind, you can cup your hand around the match to protect it from the wind. You can also use a lighter to light the match.
How do you light a match without a striker?
You can light a match without a striker by using a piece of sandpaper or a rough surface. Simply strike the match against the sandpaper or rough surface and the match will ignite.
What do you do if a match doesn’t light?
If a match doesn’t light, you can try striking it again. If it still doesn’t light, you can try using a different match or a lighter.
